David Marques

Every new year feels like a new beginning. It often offers me an opportunity to look back and ponder on what I learned, which fuels me to look ahead with excitement. This spiritual journey feels a bit different this year. The excitement is still there but 2025 was a challenging year and so there is a sense of weightiness. I started last year with a focus on the word courage which was fitting considering some changes were already announced with our oldest son moving away to college, my work assignment to a new product team, and Courtney’s business entering the second year. A sense of courage was needed in the midst of the unknowns that were yet to be revealed.

“I’m a traveler just lookin’ for a home
Somewhere past the sun into the unknown
I’m a prisoner where I refuse to grow
Take me past the pines where the fierce winds blow“

Into the Wild – Dan Bremnes

Courage is… the ability to welcome change into your life

I think it is fair to say my initial view of courage was distorted. It is easier for me to say that now as I recognize a sense of frustration held me back. Initially I felt like courage was a call for me to take more risk and act quickly, but I soon recognized that was a reaction to changes I lack control over. For most of my life I heard the notion that ‘change is inevitable’ and as such I knew I couldn’t let my emotions take control. Still, I believe I could have done better adjusting to it. In many ways courage is exactly that: the ability to adjust and adapt to change by remaining curious and welcoming it head on. By moving into the uncomfortable even if it means I need to change myself and my perspective. Change can be a wonderful way to stretch ourselves and grow, so courage can facilitate that process in our lives.

“There’s mystery waiting to unfold
Stirrin’ in the deep, stories to be told
There’s history where the canyons open wide
Callin’ out to me, come and kiss the sky“

Into the Wild – Dan Bremnes

Joy is… the ability to withstand the ups and downs of life with gladness

So how does one recognize the impacts of change but remain excited about it? How do we face the unknowns of life as a true gift? This is where joy plays a key part in living the good life. There is a sense of whimsical in the unknowns of life that should be explored with gratitude. Like an adventure. Joy is deeper than happiness and it is not without pain or heartache. It balances the expected outcomes of a disciplined life with the unknowns of when life doesn’t go according to our plans. It manages ambition with contentment, while remaining filled with gratitude. Joy allows us to experience the good and the bad with a smile on our face because we learn, we grow, and we become better when we experience it all.

“Like the rivers to the sea
Where the earth and heavens meet
We’re chasin’ down an endless destiny
Like the stars that fill the night
Let the wonder fill my eyes
I won’t let this one life pass me by“

Into the Wild – Dan Bremnes

Joy is more than a word of the year, it is rooted in God’s promises

Real joy is anchored in the promises of Jesus. Whether we are happy or sad, his purpose for our life is unchanged. As my new word of the year I look forward to experiencing joy despite the multiple emotions that will unfold in the coming months. I will hold on to God’s faithfulness as it reflects perfectly in scripture:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Psalm 30:5

Maybe you had an amazing year or maybe you struggled through the last 12 months, regardless of where you are I want you to know that God loves you and everlasting joy is readily available for you.