Choosing a theme for 2016

We are a few days into the new year and by now you might have already made some mistakes that jeopardize your new year’s resolution. That happens to most of us – making plans for a new year and falling short of them. At least that is what statistics tell us.

I was reminded this weekend that one of Jesus’ first commands to us, as shown in Matthew 6:25, was to not worry:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat of drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

While some of us dwell on what they wish they did more of last year, others quickly focus on the opportunity to redeem themselves. Setting new year’s resolutions can create stress and anxiety. So instead of creating a list of new things to accomplish, I’m choosing a theme in the new year. I’ve done this in the past and encourage others to do the same. Choosing a theme provides a broader perspective for the new year allowing you the freedom of flexibility to adjust your decisions and steps along the way.

This year I felt challenged by a friend to pray for a word that would describe my theme. Asking God for direction allows you to dig deep into your motives. The word I felt given to me was…

Commitment is such an amazing word that acknowledges the power in decisions. So in 2016 I will choose of theme of Commitment…

To my wife in my marriage – being present to serve and love

To my children in my parenting – being willing to equip and prepare them for life

To my family and friend – being aware of them and ready to support and love

To my work and co-workers – being willing to lead with a reflection of integrity

To my neighbors – being able to connect and know them

To God – being intentional

So that is what I will encourage others to focus on this year: to choose a theme word for 2016. What will your theme be?

Published by David Marques

My name is David (pronounced Daveed) and I'm a positive person by nature. Encouraged by a life of opportunities, I've been blessed to experience full richness through my family, friends and work. In a world that sees "what you do" for "who you are", I believe relationships are far more important. That is why I started a blog; to share my life-lessons and encourage others along their journey. Born in Portugal, I've moved to the United States with the love of my life, Courtney. We currently experience the beauty of the Carolinas with our three children, Caden, Blake and Ava. My blog is about taking action to my positive thoughts and display what God has blessed me with: a passion to communicate encouragement to others! View more posts

4 thoughts on “Choosing a theme for 2016”

Great idea. Moms friend encouraged her to do the same.

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David Marques says:

January 4, 2016 at 2:14 pm

Thanks Dad! I have actually followed the theme process before but the prayer for a specific word that defines the theme is new. It really gives purpose to the new year without feeling like an added list of to dos or setting myself up for failure.

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