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From Gratitude to Grace: Welcoming a New Year in Faith

From Gratitude to Grace: Welcoming a New Year in Faith

Last updated on: January 11, 2026 at 5:00 am by Michele Gunn

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From Gratitude to Grace: Welcoming a New Year in Faith 2026-01-01T10:29:14-06:00 Michele Gunn

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Welcome to 2026! Here we are diving into the second full week of January full of intentions (resolutions), motivation and expectations. I have heard many people comment during the last couple of months of 2025 that it has been a rough year. Maybe. I know that I have been through some challenges, but I have also experienced some joys. Take time to reflect on the blessings, growth and grace that you experienced during the last twelve months. Let’s welcome the new year in faith with gratitude and grace.

Looking Back with Gratitude

Gratitude transforms your perspective and opens you to grace. We are directed by 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (usccb.org) Sometimes it can be difficult to practice gratitude. The world is quick to remind us how we have failed and where we may be weak. It is constantly telling us how we can “fix ourselves.” I challenge you to look back with gratitude instead of on what needs fixing.

Practice journaling blessings or sharing moments of gratitude with loved ones. Offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for your blessings. To help you live this out, make a list of all of the good things that have happened or that you experienced in 2025. Start with the small things. How many days did you wake up in 2025? There are people who have not received that same gift. Do you have a home, food, a job, loved ones or transportation? These are basic things you can be grateful for. Use your list to journal about each blessing. You can choose one for each month or choose whatever you want. Share the gratitude with others who have been a blessing. It could be your spouse, a family member, a friend or a co-worker.

Embracing God’s New Thing with Grace

Step into this new year with faith, not fear. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, “See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.” (usccb.org) Remember that God’s plans are not limited by our past. Instead, they are built upon it. God does have a plan for our life. He has given you a purpose and blessed you with gifts and talents to live out that purpose. Having that special relationship with God supports you in both determining that purpose and living it out in gratitude and grace, while centered in faith.

This good new thing started with the birth of Jesus. God showed us He wanted things to change for the better when He brought Jesus to us. Later, Jesus demonstrated His faithfulness to the Father as He became the ultimate sacrifice for us. Do not take these gifts lightly. Accept these gifts with love and gratitude. Keep them to help you focus on embracing God’s new thing!

Faith for the Future

In January, many people talk about resolutions. That is ok, but choose alignment. This refers to the importance of aligning resolutions with God’s purpose. Philippians 1:6 states, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (usccb.org) This tells us that God completes what He starts. And He has started something good. Accept that good things are coming. Don’t focus on past mistakes or failures. Offer yourself grace.

Know that God is working in you. Even though that is true, you still need to put in work. Start by setting faith-based goals. Choose goals in areas to help you grow outside of your comfort zone. Think about areas for spiritual growth, service and surrender. Surrender is often misunderstood and difficult to follow. You can find a great, new resource from my dear friend, Vic Clesceri right at The Surrender Project.

Practical Reflection for Gratitude with Grace in Faith

Reflection is a powerful tool to help remind you of what things you can be grateful for. It also helps to discover where you may need to grow. Sit down in prayer. Close your eyes. Picture yourself sitting at a table with a beverage of choice. There is another full cup or glass placed across from you and an empty chair at the table. Here He comes. He is casually walking up to the table. He asks you if He can join you. Of course you accept, it’s Jesus! Jesus speaks, “My Father has a message for you. It is a message regarding your growth this year.” You listen intently to the words that Jesus speaks to you. What is one area where God is inviting you to grow in 2026?

Now it is time to commit to this invitation of growth. Pray with me:

“Dear God, thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, to deliver your message. I heard that you want me to grow in the area of __________________ for 2026 to help fulfill the purpose you have created me for. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in obedience to you. I am surrendering to Your will. Thank You for this opportunity to grow and serve. Amen.”

Encouragement for the Journey

This year, 2026, will be a journey. Hopefully you live it with alignment to God’s purpose for you. Know that life is not about perfection, but instead it is progress through grace and sustained with faith. Remember that we are all flawed yet fabulous and created uniquely for a specific purpose. Life is a journey. It is how you live it and embrace what has been, what is and what is yet to come that will make a difference. Every day is an opportunity to rise, align and shine anew. Live it with gratitude, grace and grounded in faith.

Join me in prayer:

**“**Faithful God, thank You for guiding us through another year. We place the new year in Your hands with hope and trust. Renew our hearts, deepen our faith and help us walk boldly into the future You have prepared. Amen.”

Catholic

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