Every year, a single word seems to rise above the noise and capture what my heart is yearning for. For 2026, God has nudged me toward the word “restore”. It’s a word filled with hope, patience, and quiet strength. Restore implies that something valuable already existed, was damaged or worn down, and is now being carefully brought back to life.

Many of you know about my husband’s health crisis that has rocked our family in incalculable ways. We are weary, as well as physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted. When I consider all that is involved in restoring an object, I have to remember the process is rarely instantaneous. An old piece of furniture, for example, doesn’t become beautiful again with a quick coat of paint. It takes time: sanding away rough edges, repairing cracks, replacing what’s broken, and honoring the original design. Restoration respects the story of the object while renewing its purpose.

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Psalm 23 speaks to this same idea in a deeply personal way: “He restores my soul.” God’s work in our hearts and minds often looks a lot like restoration rather than replacement. He doesn’t throw us away when we’re worn down by stress, disappointment, or fear. Instead, He patiently works within us, tending to the places that feel chipped, faded, or fragile.

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Just as a skilled restorer sees potential beneath layers of damage, God sees who we were created to be, even when we can’t see it ourselves. He restores our peace when anxiety has rooted itself in our minds and emotions . He restores our joy when life feels heavy. He restores our perspective when we’ve lost our way.

Restoration also requires trust. An object must be placed in the hands of someone who knows how to fix it. In the same way, restoration of the soul invites us to slow down and allow God to do His careful, loving work.

Meditating on the word “restore” reminds me that healing is possible, growth is gentle, and nothing meaningful is ever too broken to be made whole again.