Friends,

How is 2026 starting off for you? We’ve sent our boys all back to work and school, and I’m already trying to figure out how and when I can see them again. It helps to know the days are getting longer and spring is around the corner.

Plus, I am so encouraged by my daily Bible reading. This year I am using the Bible that my parents gave us for Christmas in 1997. My dad’s unique handwriting is such a warm greeting when I happen to flip to it, and I am enjoying having notes too. For 2024 and 2025 I read through the whole Bible in versions that did not have notes, which is important. Let’s not be too eager to rely on someone else’s interpretation. Still, on occasion it is really convenient to have a little help. Hopefully I am striking the right balance with it.

One verse that no one would need a note for is Mark 10:49 (NIV 1984):

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.”

This is true every day of our lives: Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling YOU.

It doesn’t matter what you may be facing in life, Jesus is calling you. He’s calling you to know Him better through His Word, through prayer, through Christian community. He’s calling you to obedience and to abide with Him in the vine. Maybe your 2026 is going swimmingly thus far, Jesus is still calling you to your feet. He’s still drawing you closer.

But maybe your 2026 is already one of disappointment and heartache. Jesus is there to provide forgiveness and healing. Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you. He’s calling you to know He will never leave you nor forsake you. He’s calling you to stand up and do the next right thing. He’s calling you to have an eternal perspective and to ponder the verse below:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV 1984).

May 2026 be a year we all recognize what is truly important and know it’s not anything that is in our news feed. It’s much much simpler. What’s important is that Jesus is calling. And we always answer, one way or the other.

Blessings,

Kristie

P.S. This little graphic below is so apt. I would give credit to the maker but I don’t know where it came from. I re-posted it a few years ago, but it is still on point.