There are many times in life when we start something for the first time. It is the beginning of something new. It may be a career, the birth of a child, living on one’s own, retirement, moving to a different city or town, going to college, or becoming a new member of a church. Today is something new. It is the first day of 2026. January 1 is a new beginning for many people. It is the day when many of us take the time to contemplate how we can live our lives differently each and every day in order to benefit ourselves and others. The list below includes some of the things that I am going to try and focus on this year. In order for these to work for my benefit and others, I have to make a conscious effort to read each one and focus on each one every day of the year. Please feel free to use any of the items from my list to include in a list that you create for yourself. It is my hope and prayer that you can use my ideas to help you, your family, and your friends with learning more about your faith, developing a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and reaching out to help others to make a positive difference in their lives.
- Show love, patience, forgiveness, compassion, and kindness to others.
- Give a family member or friend the “gift of my time.” Examples: go out for a coffee, talk on the phone, go see a movie, sit and talk, sit and just listen, make dinner, go out to get an ice cream for dessert, run errands.
- Pray early and often each day.
- Read Scripture.
- Keep a daily list of how to reach out and help others. Go help others.
- Each one of us is a gift from God. Give God the gift of taking care of myself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Attend a Catholic Mass or church service every weekend.
- Go through an “examination of conscience” at the end of each day.
- Participate in a Bible study.
- Be present for others.
- Listen to “The Bible in a Year” podcast each day.
When focusing on each of the above, I am hoping and praying that I can grow closer to Jesus Christ and develop a more personal relationship with Him. Also, I hope and pray that you can do the same each day. In turn, this can help you and me with making our world a better place for many people.