New year resolutions

Making new year resolutions seems to have become less fashionable. Is it because we realise how hard it can be to live up to the dreams and ideals we set ourselves or the expectations of others'? How easy it is to fall short of our aims. I'd rather be realistic and pray about what is achievable with all my ideas and goals and my long to do lists.

Yet all the while, the God of surprises, the unseen companion as we journey, leads and guides, plans and watches over us. God draws us out into new challenges which can result in ever deeper trust and dependency on him. Fresh vistas in which to discover the utterly amazing grace of God. God choosing to use what we will offer to him. In this new year, let's resolve to follow where God leads us and to thank him for the many ways he calls us to show his love and his mercy as we journey.

The following, sent by a friend, I found to be a challenge and a prayer as we begin 2026.

God, thank you that you have given me challenging friends to whom I can show your love and grace. Thank you that you have given me colleagues to whom I can turn the other cheek.

Thank you that you have given me those who I can forgive 70x7. Thank you that you have given me all people to love and show Jesus. Thank you for everyone who enables me to reach out to you to grow my character, so that I can become more like you . Amen