Hey man of God,

The holidays are upon us, and you know how this story goes. Once Halloween hits, we find ourselves in mid-January before we can even come up for air. This is why we’re stoking the fire and vision for 2026 right now. 

One of the most effective ways to stay sharp is to avoid coming into contact with things that will dull your edge.

When we renovated our house a few years ago, my wife and I decided to pour our own concrete countertops. That was a job, let me tell ya! They actually turned out pretty well, but they aren’t smooth like granite. They ended up being a little rough.

There has been one unintended consequence, though. Our kitchen knives have to be sharpened often.

Why? Because everyone in our house is guilty of cutting things right on the counter. This is essentially like running your knife across a concrete driveway. It’s no surprise that the edges are dull.

A clear vision for 2026 is great, but we sabotage ourselves if we don’t also consider what will keep us from fulfilling it.

Every season of our lives brings its own “knife on concrete” experiences. The trouble comes when we keep returning to these habits, relationships, coping mechanisms, and addictions that are known to dull our edge.

This is what Paul talks about in Hebrews 12:1 when he says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”

Do you know what these are for you?

Before you hit 2026 and get swept up in the rush of the new year, take some time to reflect on these edge-killers. 

THIS WEEK’S TOP 3

1. READ: Proverbs 28

2.THINK:

"Things that keep talented people from fulfilling their potential:
-Trying to please everyone
-Imitating the desires of others
-Chasing status without questioning why
-Playing superhero and trying to do it all alone
-Dividing attention between too many projects
Which one is most likely to pull you in?"
-James Clear  

 (Dang. This is so convicting.)

3.ACT: Invest 10 minutes this week to look for the “edge killers” in your life. What are the habits, relationships, coping mechanisms, and addictions that you need to lay aside in the coming year so you can stay sharp and see your vision come to life?

Shoot me an email aubrey@whetstoneway.com and let me know what you identify.

Stay sharp,
Aubrey

Another Powerful Sharpening Session!

Earlier this week, I had an incredible 90-minute sharpening session with a brother who is at a critical crossroads in his life. God showed up powerfully and breathed life and vision into his heart. Now it’s your turn!

 And don't forget the free hat that comes along with it!

Schedule your 90-Minute Sharpening Session 

This is the fourth email in our Light The Forge 2026 series to help us hit the new year with fire and momentum rather than apathy and anxiety. Here is a link to the first three, if you missed them. Part 1  Part 2 Part 3