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Love, the star, is on the way...
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
'No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
'No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matthew 25:1–10, 13
Matthew 25:1–10, 13
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Theresa Haenn
Preparation. Waiting. Staying consistent. Prayer. Ready when the time comes.
Over the last few years, I have taken on a word or two at the New Year that I use as the foundation for how I will show up in the coming year. Usually, it is based on my goals, and often it becomes a metaphor for what I need to really focus on through the year. Although honestly the metaphor is only revealed after 12 months of being focused on the word.
2025’s word is Consistency.
I chose this word because as a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths coach, Consistency ranks 34 out of my 34 strengths. I knew I needed to lean into using this strength more intentionally and initially planned to focus on my work goals, physical exercise goals and healthy habits. Consistency’s attributes include being even-handed; prepared; stable (every day); focused on the group’s needs vs. an individual’s desire.
Turns out, selecting Consistency was the right word for me.
2025 demanded consistency because it was a year of complete disruption at home and at work. The team I lead needed me to set up guardrails for them to focus on the work at hand and avoid the distraction of all the upheaval around us. When my husband got sick, my family and the medical team needed me to manage all the changes and impact of his treatment in such a way so that he would respond positively to the treatments and heal.
Frankly, it was a tough year that sent me way outside my comfort zone. I am much more used to leading the charge than living within guardrails, adjusting along the way. And yet, leaning into consistent actions day-in and day-out; reading scripture and praying every day brought comfort and insight that enabled me to show up for everyone who relied on me.
Consistency; preparation; and prayer gave me the guardrails I needed to help me stay attentive so that now, looking back on the last 12 months, I feel as if I kept my lamp full of oil and the banquet is a welcoming time to be with others.
Preparation, prayer, reflection in repetition opened new insights in the way God moves in my life.
Now I am thinking about the word for 2026 – I will have two words, and one is going to be Consistency.
Steadfast God,
When the road starts to turn, point out my guardrails. Grant me the presence of mind to pay attention and remind me of your Eternal Presence. Amen.
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