A time to embrace new beginnings

Happy 2026! A time where we embrace new beginnings.

Have you heard of the practice of discerning and choosing a “word of the year” and then living it? A friend introduced me to this idea (which sounds so much better than resolutions!) and I've been noodling it around for a few weeks. It would be easy to quickly pounce on what pops into our mind – in much the same way my cats would pounce on shiny things – but I fear that would be of little benefit either to us or to the world. Discernment is a sometimes slow and reflective process.

I'm sitting in the space between two words – “generously” and “connection.” It is not a terribly comfortable space. Unlike “happy, content” or even “self-focus,” “generously” and “connection” have deep requirements. Ones that are, at times, challenging to live.

Our connections and relationships are built upon the values that we hold in our hearts – love, trust, forgiveness, compassion and purpose, among others. These connections run deep and are unconditional gifts of the soul rather than those shiny things temptingly placed in front of us.

Connection does not form by rushing through life in order to get to the next thing. It does not embrace us in fleeting minutes when we are still addicted to the ruse of multi-tasking. Connection requires our full attention. It requires relationships that live below the surface and go beyond a quick text to check in, demonstrating our busyness.

I have, many times, written about inclusion in this column; inclusion is important but I believe there is a need to shift. Inclusion, it now seems, is just the starting point. The goal, the real connection is rooted in belonging. Without real belonging, we miss the joy of community. In belonging we have love. We have compassion. We have forgiveness. We have all those gifts of the heart.

Just because we include others does not mean that we create a sense of belonging, that we share the same soft landing space. This is the center of the spiritual work we are called to – regardless of our specific faith. For, if we are not creating this community of belonging, are we really living what we say we believe?

Creating sacred spaces, communities of love, and labyrinths of belonging where we walk beside each other is, perhaps, how we share the road and honor different paths while travelling together. Perhaps this is where we learn to help, support, listen, understand and comfort each other as well as celebrate our joys and successes.

It seems to me that a lack of belonging creates isolation and fear; it amps up resentments and distrust. Disconnection turns off the light switch so that we can't see those shiny things even if we want to.

So, perhaps it is in this uncomfortable space between these two words – “generously” and “connection” – where my hope in this New Year lives. To generously connect with those who grace our path. To model the practice that our spiritual leaders and teachers modeled for us. To create a sense of belonging, that is the SpaceForGrace.

Instead of playing with the shiny things, let us be them! Through generously connecting, the New Year is already looking happy and shiny!

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington honors the beliefs of all people through sacred ceremonies, rites of passage and Chaplaincy services. She can be contacted – and connected with – at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com.