my word for 2026: LINGER

As 2026 begins, I’ve been thinking about a word to guide this year. One that will shape my days, my faith, and my reflections here on the blog. After much thought, I’ve chosen LINGER.

To linger is to slow down, to stay present, to notice what we often rush past. It invites us to savor the small moments: God’s presence in prayer, the warmth of a shared meal, the unfolding of a story in a book, or the quiet beauty of nature.

I’m drawn to this word because it reminds me that life doesn’t have to be a race. There is value in pausing, in giving time and attention to what matters. This year, I want to linger. Not in idleness, but in the fullness of presence, connection, and awareness.

Over the coming months, I’ll be exploring ways to linger in faith, hospitality, reading, and everyday life. I hope you’ll join me in this practice of noticing, savoring, and resting in what is good. Here’s to a year of presence, attention, and savoring all the moments God places before us.

Make space to linger: with God, with others, with life.

Relationships need to time to flourish and grow. That’s true of our relationship with God, and it’s true of our relationships with people. Nothing says, “you’re important to me” like taking your time with them. If I’m rushing through my time with someone, then I might miss out on a special moment. They might need time to share what’s on their heart. To open up. Likewise, God might have insight or guidance with my name on it, but I will miss it if I don’t linger.

Lingering helps us notice the beauty we’d otherwise rush past.

I’ve always been task oriented, and most days find me with a “to do” list. As much as it helps me stay organized, it sometimes steals my focus. I can get so caught up in the doing that I miss out on being. Surely I can get more out of my accomplishments than crossing them off a list. Lingering, on the other hand, smacks of savoring. Enjoying the process. Being fully present for it. Noticing the small things along the way that enhance the experience. Appreciating the beauty around us.

This year, I want to linger. In prayer, at the table, in conversation, and in creation.

Let’s look for opportunities to linger. We can take our time in prayer, praise, and worship. We can savor a meal. Draw out that conversation. Sit in silence a bit. Look out the window. Take a long walk. Look closely at nature around us. Let’s make note of what happens and share it with each other. Maybe we can find new ways to squeeze every drop of joy out of our days.

Upcoming blog posts around my word for 2026

These are some ideas I’m toying with. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Faith & spiritual growth

• Linger with God – unhurried time in scripture and prayer
• Linger in worship – not rushing through moments of connection
• Linger in the Psalms – reflections on verses that invite rest and trust

Food & hospitality

• Linger at the table – meals meant to be savored with friends or family
• Recipes that invite you to linger – slow bakes, simmering soups, bread rising
• The gift of lingering conversations – how food and presence nurture relationships

Books & learning

• Books to linger over – slower reads, poetry, or books that invite deep thought
• Linger with stories – re-reading, savoring a favorite passage, or letting a book’s theme stay with you

Everyday life & tips

• Linger in nature – seasonal reflections, walks, noticing small details
• Linger with loved ones – putting away hurry to be present
• Linger in transitions – not rushing through change but finding meaning in the “in between”

No promises! Right now, I’m not sure where this will take me. But I’m excited for the ride!

What is your word for 2026?

Please let me know in the comments! Last year was my first year with a word of the year, when I explored CULTIVATE. I found the experience to be rich and rewarding. I looked at cultivating hospitality, authenticity, contentment, presence, hope, connection, and compassion. What a journey! I’m looking forward to new growth through my word for 2026. Join me. Let’s linger.

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Fondly,

Crysti