Before you rush headlong into 2026, give yourself permission to pause—whether for a moment, an hour, or an entire day. These three words have been echoing in my spirit as 2025 draws to a close: Pause. Reflect. Hope.
What unfinished business is still tugging at your heart?
What unsent message, unspoken truth, or unpursued dream is still sitting quietly in the corner of your year?
Is it possible that a prayer you prayed was answered—just wrapped in a package you didn’t expect?
If you would truly pause, intentionally reflect, and courageously hope before this year ends, you might uncover the direction, correction, or clarity that positions you for victory in 2026. Life rarely shouts; it whispers. To hear it, you must lean in, quiet your mind, and become still.
The treasure is found in discerning what must remain in 2025—and what deserves to be carried forward.
Remember: If you refuse to adapt to the future, you will spend your energy justifying your past.
Ask yourself:
- What thought, action, or behavior is no longer serving me?
- What narrative am I repeating—to myself or others—that needs to be rewritten?
- What mindset must I release so the Creator can do something new within me?
- Did 2025 reveal areas where I’ve been stuck in analysis paralysis—overthinking without movement?
- Who am I when no one needs anything from me?
- In 2025, was I more Self-Led or Savior-Led?
I’m walking through this same process of pausing, reflecting, and hoping. And I’ve uncovered my own “treasures”—reminders, journal entries, conversations, books, and shifts in perception that I’m carrying into 2026. A few of them include:
- Choose long-term vision over short-term comfort.
- Discipline—especially when no one is applauding—produces lasting results.
- Patience must be tested to be strengthened.
- Give myself and others “space and grace” to grow.
- Foundations are being laid even in seasons of quiet.
- Love and boundaries can coexist.
- Don’t judge a situation while you’re still in the middle of it.
- God’s goodness and mercy are accessible 24/7.
- Allow people to show up as they are—and then choose your response.
- God either delivers or develops.
Once you’ve paused and reflected, check your hope barometer.
Hope for the best—always—but prepare wisely for the challenges life may bring.
Hope is the expectation and desire for something to happen. Scripture reminds us: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). Delays can strengthen character, sharpen discernment, and reveal whether a desire is truly from God. But unmet expectations, when repeated, can weigh heavily on the heart.
So ask yourself: Am I full of hope—or running low?
To uncover even more treasure from 2025, consider:
- What was the single most impactful blessing of my year? (Expect even more in 2026.)
- What moments brought me the greatest joy? (Repeat them when you can.)
- What low points taught me the most? (Carry those lessons forward.)
May 2026 be your strongest year yet—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
Blessings,
Dr. G
Dr.G....."Grace & Grit" 