“As November invites us to pause and give thanks, have you thanked your One Word for what it’s given you this year—both things you expected and things you didn’t?” – Lisa Notes
When I first read the prompt for this month, I was instantly reminded of my first-ever WOTY (Word of the Year), “attitude of gratitude” (2020). Since then, I have been on a yearly journey to draw closer to Christ in new ways. Each WOTY has built upon the other and left me thankful for the experience.
So what have I learned about flexibility that makes me thankful for its friendship in 2025?
I can sum it up in a few sentences. To be flexible means I should focus on the needs of others, regardless of my plans for the day. In doing so, I become the hands and feet of Jesus. I am thankful for the deep conversations and personal relationships that have resulted from this practice. John 3:8 says, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit”. This passage encourages me to have a flexible, submissive spirit and to follow God’s direction.
Do you have one word that you have focused on this year?
How has it benefited you?
Are you thankful for the lessons you have learned along the way?
mylifeinourfathersworld.com 
A friend from church likes to say, “I’m like Gumby, I can go either way.” I think what he’s demonstrating is we must be strong enough to bend.
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I agree and as educators/admins we put this into practice daily!
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Thanks for this post, Barb. At the end of last year I drafted a post about serenity and making it my word for 2025. I wound up deciding not to publish it and chose the word focus instead. I subtly included it an early new year’s post not wanting to highlight it too much knowing what a challenging word it was for this particular season of my life. How has it gone? Okay, I suppose. I definitely found myself fighting to stay focused.
Anyway, that’s my experience with this year’s word. Thanks again, Barb, for this insightful and encouraging post.
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Focus is on my list of possible words for 2026. It would be a hard on for my ADHD brain.
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[…] Thankful for Flexibility […]
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Jesus was flexible. How many times He deviated from what the disciples thought He should be doing so that He could do the will of His Father!
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Yes He did!
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Such a wonderful point about being flexible. Sometimes it is the unexpected bumps in the road that upset us. But you said that well – we become the hands and feet of Jesus.
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Thank you for your encouragement, Bridget
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I loved Gumby and Pokey. It’s all about the horse. For me, being flexible means less whiplash when God whispers, “I know you’re headed in this direction, but I need you over there.” 🙂
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Yes, those quiet words that change our trajectory.
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🙂
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Happy Thanksgiving Barbara ❤️🎁🍁
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Amen 🙏 Flexibility truly shows Christ’s heart in us.
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This is a beautiful practice of your word, Barb. I have to remind myself that sometimes what feels like a distraction is actually the true mission in disguise! 🙂
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Thanks for your ever present encouragement, my friend.
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