Safe Haven

As January comes to an end far too quickly, and if you’re anything like me, you might be asking yourself, “Wait… what were my goals again?” Somehow every month sneaks up on me, and I find myself wondering, “Where did all the time go?” I’d love to say it’s because I’ve been fully present—but if I’m honest, I’ve just been busy and distracted.

Coming off the holidays, I found myself moving from a rush of emotions and experiences straight back into the rhythm of everyday life, with little time to process it all. God has spoken so much over the past few weeks, and I’ve struggled to slow down enough to sit with Him and let it sink in.

That said, I always have a complicated relationship with the beginning of the year. I love it because it feels like a fresh start—a reset, a pause, a realignment. But I also hate it, because of the pressure the world places on us to change everything at once: to set unrealistic goals, compare ourselves to others, and strive endlessly. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have goals or aspirations, but I do believe we should invite God into what He desires our year to look like.

It’s so easy to become fixated on ourselves and lose sight of the One who gives us everything we need. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Or, as we often hear it, “Without vision, the people perish.” Any time we take our eyes off Jesus and place them solely on ourselves and our circumstances, we tend to feel lost, stagnant, or discouraged.

So every year, I challenge myself to ask God for a word for the year—or simply to dream with Him. I ask what His desire is for me, where He wants to reveal more of Himself, and who He’s inviting me to become. I ask Him to take me deeper into His heart.

Of course, there’s a practical side to this as well. To partner with God intentionally, I like to identify “areas of growth” for the year—spaces where I can aim with purpose and trust Him to lead. (PSA: this is just my personal rhythm and what I’ve found works for me.) I usually break these into categories like physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and creative.

I’m sharing mine here for accountability, but also to encourage you to do the same in whatever way the Holy Spirit leads you:

• Be more selfless and interruptible (serve in my church)
• Fast once a month
• Pick a few things and get good at them (latte art, surfing, photography)
• Cook more meals and share them
• Maintain a creative outlet (writing, painting, crafts)
• Move my body 2–3 times a week

I’ve already started making progress in these areas, and I’m excited to share more in the coming months. I’d love to hear how God is inviting you into growth and obedience this year.

Just start somewhere. You don’t have to be good at it right away. Ask Him questions—and wait for Him to answer. He desires to reveal Himself to you, and in doing so, He reveals who you are in Him. It’s the most beautiful exchange.

Have faith.
Say yes.
Dream with God.

with love, hav