At the start of every new year, I take a personal retreat to reflect on the past year and plan for the new. This time always involves writing, worshipping, praying, tears, and bursts of gratefulness. And after much prayer and consideration, I land on a theme word for the new year. 

This year, for 2022, my word is cultivate. 

Here a few of the definitions I found: 

1. to foster the growth of something
2. to improve by labor, care or study
3. to further encourage

For me, to cultivate means to make an intentional investment in what matters most. I want to cultivate existing relationships, and I want to dig deep to hone in on what I’m already doing.

The question constantly running in my head is, “What matters most?” And to be honest, this question can come as a punch in the gut sometimes. It’s so easy to jump to the next thing, rather than to tend what is most important. This has me asking, what relationships in my life do I need to pour more time into? 

One Scripture passage that comes to mind is 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 — “But we urge you, brothers, to [love one another] more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

For my team at Rebekah Scott Designs, our slogan for this theme is “back to basics.” We have amazing products and amazing customers, so let’s invest in this! We want to spend our time concentrating on the needs of you, our customers who love RSD — whether the needs are cute purses and accessories or a joyful attitude and encouragement.

There is something good about being faithful with what I have right in front of me, and trusting God to bless that — however he chooses. Cultivation is not about having small dreams or desires, but it’s about digging deep and trusting God to give the growth. 

I would love to hear from you in the comments — are there specific areas in your life you want to cultivate this year? Or, if you have a word for 2022, I would love to hear it!

Love,
Bekah