Visualizing My Word of the Year

I find the practice of visualization to be helpful in my journaling, prayers and discernment. Using God’s gift of imagination, I “see” what is possible and find hope and motivation. Having a picture or image of my word of the year reminds me to keep listening for its lessons and helps me focus and pay attention.

In 2026 my word of the year is “way.” I am learning to listen how I say this word. Do I say “a way” or “the way?” Is way capitalized or not when I “see” the word? Paying attention to this detail has helped me get to know my word better.

But what does my word look like? I have absolutely no talent in drawing. I have tried to do sketches or calligraphy, but a toddler could do better. Remember I am the one who failed scissors in kindergarten and never really improved on my small muscle capabilities since then. I needed outside help to find some ideas about how my word may appear.

I entered this word into one of the artificial intelligence tools and ask it to create a visual for me. I tweaked my request several times and this is what I finally downloaded.

Then a tried the same approach with another tool and I chose this one. I like the colors and movement in this one and this certainly became a fun way to explore my word.

During this year I am sure other visuals may emerge, but it is a delightful place to start. Both visuals are clipped and in my journal.

But there is a third way. Instead of using AI, I simply sought a greater Intelligence. I planned some quiet time with God. Closed my eyes. And asked, “Lord, what do you want me to ‘see’ when I ponder the word ‘way’?”

I saw a long path ahead and heard the Lord gently whisper, “Let’s walk together on the way.”

I love the idea of walking this way with God. What a partner, right?

A month ago, I embraced this verse to accompany my word of the year:

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.'” Jeremiah 6: 16

Now I am adding Isaiah 43: 19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Both verses will serve as a guide and both provide wonderful images: ancient paths, good way, walk in it. Way in the wilderness.

My imagination brims with ideas; now it is the time to pause, listen, and journal with my word. I may not be able to draw, but I do love to play with words – that is my medium so using these initial visualizations, I will pray and write and walk with this word into the rest of the year.

How about you? Can you visualize your word? How does visualization help you grow spiritually?