So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor. 10:31)

Every July, I like to check in and see what kind of progress I’m making with my word for the year. Yes, I know it’s August—I’m behind. Which kind of sums up my year, I think.

My word for the year is purpose. In January, as the new year dawned, I was excited and a little anxious—how would God use this word in my life? I know my overall purpose is to obey him and give him the glory. But what new, deeper purpose would he reveal? What would my purpose require me to do? In what ways would I be challenged?

If you’re like me, when you think of someone’s purpose, you think of something big. For example, a ministry for single moms or the homeless or fostering children. I consider my writing to be part of my purpose because I use it to point people to God. But what happens when the creativity I use to further my purpose dries up?

That’s what happened to me this year. Things certainly have not gone as I would have liked. Dealing with the death of my beloved Yorkie companion, a bout with COVID-19, and increased migraines were not on my to-do list.

One of my good friends suggested I perform a mid-year reset and consider choosing a new word that more aptly fits. Her suggestion—grace. As in, give myself grace for not meeting my unrealistic expectations for myself during turbulent times.

I like that idea. In fact, I think I need to look at my purpose through the lens of grace. I believe God brought the word purpose to my attention at the beginning of the year because he knew I would need a reminder—while my circumstances may have changed, my purpose hasn’t, and neither has he.

Dear Jesus, thank you for my purpose and for friends who remind me to give myself grace. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Help me remember that my purpose is to bring glory to you, regardless of my circumstances. Amen.