Every December my wife and I wrap a gift that seems almost too simple to matter: a calendar for our parents. Twelve pages. Twelve pictures. Just paper and ink. But when they open it, something happens. They flip slowly from month to month, smiling at the faces of grandkids, remembering moments they had forgotten, lingering over the little stories tucked inside each photo.
It’s a small ritual, but there’s something sacred about it. That first turn of the page—January to February, March to April—reminds them that life doesn’t just march forward; it accumulates. It layers memory upon memory. Blessing upon blessing (James 1:17). Grace upon grace.
And that quiet ritual has taught me something: real growth is never sudden. It doesn’t come from grand resolutions or perfectly polished goals. Growth happens in the unnoticed spaces—one square, one moment, one faithful step at a time.
As we enter 2026 across our CrossPoint network, I can’t help but think that spiritual growth works the same way. It’s not flashy. It’s not instant. It’s not about reinventing ourselves; it’s about returning to the practices that shape us into Surrendered Worshipers, Maturing Followers, Compassionate Servants, and Kingdom Multipliers.
Here are five ways to take those steps this year:
1. Engage the 2026 Bible Reading Plan.
Meeting God in His Word is one of the primary ways we surrender our will to His, for “the law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7). Our Reading Plan creates a daily rhythm that’s simple and sustainable: no pressure for perfection, just space to enjoy Jesus and hear His voice.
2. Lean into a Grow Group.
We grow best in community, “that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12). A group gives you people who encourage, challenge, and walk with you, helping you become a Maturing Follower of Jesus through Scripture, prayer, and life shared together.
3. Memorize Scripture.
Carrying God’s Word in your heart helps you live as an Everyday Missionary—ready with truth when worry rises, temptation whispers, or someone needs encouragement. Even one verse a month can steady your soul and strengthen your witness.
4. Listen to CPXL and Two The Point.
Growth doesn’t only happen in quiet rooms. These podcasts help you think biblically and live wisely in the everyday spaces of life. They also keep us connected across our network, reinforcing our commitment to Togetherness as we follow Jesus side-by-side.
5. Serve somewhere.
Serving is often where faith comes alive. When you give your time and gifts, whether with kids, guests, production, or mid-week, you embody the heart of a Compassionate Servant and actively help multiply disciples. This is where ordinary people step into extraordinary things.
Now imagine what God could do in our network if every CrossPointer embraced even one of these practices this year. The spiritual momentum would be unmistakable. So choose one. Commit to it. Trust the Spirit to meet you in that step, “for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:13), and watch Him do what only He can.
A calendar may be just twelve pages, but it holds a whole story. So does a year. And when that story is filled with daily steps toward Jesus, it becomes something beautiful.
Here’s to a year of daily formation, steady growth, and the quiet, sacred work of God in our lives—one square at a time.