Small talk builds trust. It signals respect and genuine interest. It creates a sense of belonging, opens the door for influence and collaboration, and is often the first step toward honest, meaningful connection.

I love small talk. Not everyone does—and that’s okay. Small talk is a skill that can be learned and practiced. More than that, it’s a simple but powerful act of presence.

Lately, I’ve been listening to some excellent podcasts and reading some great books on connection and conversation that have helped me grow in this skill, including:

A line that stuck with me from BigDeal: “Conversation is not a soft skill-it’s a science.”

One of the best takeaways? When you know you’ll be entering a situation where small talk will be necessary (as in every group setting), come prepared with one or two good questions to ask, and small talk becomes easy.

My prepared question for January is simple: What are you most excited about in 2026?

And just in case the question comes back to me, I’ve prepared a few answers, too.

Answer #1: Mr. Bob and I are heading to the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter with our big grands for my February birthday. It’s been on my bucket list, and sharing that experience with them means making memories—and enjoying great apologetic and historical conversations along the way.

Answer #2: Launching LifeWise Academy for 1st–3rd graders in my county. This has been more than two years in the making, and each Thursday starting this week, I’ll get to serve as the bus teacher and alternating 2nd grade Bible teacher. With limited time, the bus rides are a great time for music, games, and connection. Just last Sunday, our LifeWise Cherokee County team delivered swag bags—complete with bubble machines and great enthusiasm—to the families already registered. Lots of additional encounters took place when the big, red LifeWise bus came to their very front door with Christmas lights and more.

Answer #3: I’ve asked the Lord to grow in me this year the fruit of the Spirit of gentleness—responding with tenderness. Yes, my maiden name is Bull, but I’m choosing to live in a posture of love going first. God has gently convicted me not only to grow in small talk, but in gentle and tender conversational skills. I want to go deeper in conversations more quickly and to be bolder in sharing the good news of Jesus with my words. I want to be a better communicator across the table, on the phone, and with those I love. It’s less about the sage from the stage and more about the guide alongside.

Sooooooo, what are you most excited about in 2026?

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12