Unlimited
On New Year’s Eve, a new friend I met at Bob Goff’s School of Whimsy at Disneyland, inspired our workshop group to develop a word for the new year.
I wanted to respond quickly as words like “mercy” and “grace” came to mind. But somehow, those words did not seem sufficient. They strangely seemed too limited.
Then, on New Year’s Day, it hit me. Michele and I went to see the movie Wicked the night before. We listened to the soundtrack on the way home. I listened to it as I walked the dog. Soon, I was dancing around the living room and kitchen singing “Popular” and “Loathing” to make Michele laugh (okay, and irritate her a bit). Feel free to picture this.
But one word kept coming back to me in the song. Unlimited.
In the musical Wicked, the word “unlimited” is featured prominently in two songs:
• “The Wizard and I”: Elphaba sings about her aspirations and the newfound possibilities she envisions, expressing, “Unlimited, my future is unlimited.”
• “Defying Gravity”: This pivotal number includes the line, “Unlimited, together we’re unlimited,” highlighting Elphaba’s determination to transcend boundaries.
Unlimited is the central theme within the narrative of Wicked, breaking free from constraints and embracing limitless potential.
As I thought of the new year and some of the difficult situations I encountered last year, these words from the song “Defying Gravity” rang true.
Defying Gravity
Think of what we could do… together
Unlimited
Together, we're unlimited
Together, we'll be the greatest team there's ever been
Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts, close my eyes and leap
It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
I’M THROUGH ACCEPTING LIMITS
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change, but 'til I try, I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love, I guess I've lost
Well, if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost
I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down
So, my word for 2025 is “Unlimited.”
Unlimited grace, mercy, fun, playfulness, whimsy, giving, serving, and forgiveness. No more rationing. No more keeping score. No more fear of the disapproval of those who might preach grace, but then add a to-do list to the Gospel.
How? The key is the first line from the lyrics above… “Together.” Apart from Jesus, I am not capable of any of this. But through Christ? Unlimited.
The following scripture has been paraphrased to include the word unlimited, where it applies to each verse.
Unlimited Grace:
• Ephesians 2:8-9: “God’s grace is an UNLIMITED gift, saving you through faith—not because of anything you’ve done, but purely because of His generosity, so no one can boast about earning it.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9: “God’s response is clear: ‘My grace is UNLIMITED for you. My strength shines brightest in your weaknesses.’”
Unlimited Mercy:
• Psalm 86:5: “Lord, you are always ready to forgive and overflow with UNLIMITED mercy and love for anyone who calls on You.”
• Lamentations 3:22-23: “The Lord’s love is endless, and His mercy knows no limits. Every morning brings a fresh reminder of His UNLIMITED faithfulness.”
Life to the Full:
• John 10:10: “The enemy aims to harm, but I came to give you UNLIMITED life—overflowing, abundant, and full of purpose.”
• Psalm 16:11: “You reveal the way to true living, filling me with UNLIMITED joy in Your presence and eternal pleasures at Your side.”
Unlimited Giving and Serving:
• 2 Corinthians 9:8: “God’s blessings are UNLIMITED, ensuring that in all situations you have more than enough to keep serving and giving generously.”
• 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you has received UNLIMITED gifts from God; use them to serve others, reflecting His endless grace in every act of kindness.”
Unlimited Forgiveness:
• Matthew 18:21-22: “When asked how often we should forgive, Jesus essentially said, ‘UNLIMITED times.’ There’s no cap on the forgiveness we should offer.”
• 1 John 1:9: “If we admit our mistakes, God, who is UNLIMITED in His faithfulness and justice, will forgive us without reservation and make us whole again.”
So who’s in? Who’s tired of keeping score? Who’s weary from seeking the approval of others? Who’s ready to let go of fear?
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18)
I encourage you to hop aboard this “unlimited” adventure with me. After all, the beauty of “unlimited” is there is always plenty of room on the train for everyone.
“This train
Carries saints and sinners
This train
Carries losers and winners
This train
Carries whores and gamblers
This train
Carries lost souls
This train
Dreams will not be thwarted
This train
Faith will be rewarded
This train
Hear the steel wheels singin'
This train
Bells of freedom ringin'
This train
Carries broken-hearted
This train
Thieves and sweet souls departed
This train
Carries fools and kings
This train
All aboard.”
Land of Hope and Dreams by Bruce Springsteen
All aboard, indeed.
Happy New Year.