Why Naming Your Season Matters

Genesis 2:19–20 (Easy English Bible)

19 The LORD God took soil from the ground and made all the animals and birds. He brought them to the man. God wanted to know what names the man would call them. Whatever the man called each living thing became its name. 20 So, the man gave names to the farm animals, to the birds in the sky, and to all the other animals.

I’ve spent some time pondering this passage. At first glance, it’s a familiar childhood story that could be easily overlooked. But when you pause and look a little closer, there is something deeply encouraging tucked inside it.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a namer is “someone with the right or responsibility for making a selection.” In Genesis 2, one of the very first choices humanity is invited into is the act of naming. God creates the animals, brings them to man, and then waits.That detail matters.

A name gives birth to identity. As a verb, to name means "to appoint, call, or specify." In this moment, we see God inviting humanity into creativity, authority, and partnership. God does not dictate the names. Instead, He is curious. Scripture tells us that God wanted to see what names would be chosen.

I often wonder what that moment looked like. Did God smile? Did He delight in the choices being made? Did He say, “I love that,” or “That’s great. What’s next?” While we don’t know His response, we do know the outcome. The end of verse 19 says, “Whatever the man called each living thing became its name.” God affirmed the naming. He endorsed the choice. Identity was established through relationship and trust.

I know many people who practice naming a season of their life. Some choose a word that helps them refocus. Others select a word that reflects a posture they want to carry or a promise they are holding onto. I love listening to how people approach this practice and how they discern what name fits their next season.

I once heard John Maxwell share that he uses his word of the year as a daily reflection, asking himself how he lived that word with intention each day. This helped him stay connected to his goal. Personally, I find that practice so inspiring.

Do you have a word or a name for the season you are entering?

If God was deeply interested in humanity’s naming of the animals, how much more interested might He be in the intentions you bring before Him as you name and step into what’s next?

If you’d like to go deeper, consider journaling about what your word means and how you want it to shape your intentions. My friend Jill has created two Word of the Year journals that you may find helpful. I’ve included a link for those who want a tangible tool to help them reflect.