First thing I'll do is sanctify the coming year to Jesus. I'll pray to consecrate every day and every moment of the new year; I'll consecrate all my desires, plans, and even my calendar to him. I know too well how the pressures and demands and crises rush in to steal the days. I also know that my desires are not always what God has for me, and I don't want to rush on making plans outside of his. So, right at the start, I give the year to God. I devote it to him, dedicate it to him, consecrate it.

And then, I'll ask him a question: "Jesus, what is the theme of this year?"

This has proven really helpful to me, a sort of anchor, a guiding light that I return to over and over through the year. Often, I'll be starting a new journal around the first of January, and I'll write the theme of the new year on the first page, so that I see it every time I open the journal.

This year, 2009, Jesus gave to me the theme of "Love." It has proven true, and been a rescue to me a hundred and one times through the year. A deeper walk of Love, a deeper experience of Love. Sometimes it was about loving others, and the theme helped me in my relationships. Sometimes it would be about the love of God for me, how I need more of it, to receive it, dwell in it. Sometimes it was about inner healing, replacing the deep things that drive me (like fear and striving) with Love. 

Every time I saw the theme, it was a re-orientation for me. Bringing me back to center, to what God was most especially doing this year in me.

So, I'm excited about tomorrow. I can't wait to hear what Jesus has for me in 2010.

I thought you'd like to do the same; see what he has for you!!