This past year also included a sabbatical for me, which I’m very thankful for.
It was a needed time to step back—time with God, time with my family, and time to reset some rhythms that had slipped over time. It gave me space to slow down, reflect, and come back with a clearer perspective on both life and ministry.
One of the things that stayed with me coming out of that time is simple:
“Discipline sustains what motivation cannot.”
There are a lot of days where you don’t feel motivated—whether that’s in your walk with God, your relationships, or even in ministry. But what I was reminded of is that steady, consistent habits are what actually carry you forward. Time in the Word, prayer, caring for your health, being present with people—those things don’t always come naturally in the moment, but over time they shape who you are and how you lead.
That’s something I’m continuing to carry with me moving forward.