In this New Year’s Day reflection, the Revd Jenny Mills, Deputy General Secretary (Faith in Action), invites us to pause and consider what new beginnings mean for us:
As another year opens before us, many of us naturally turn our thoughts to fresh starts: What shall we begin? What needs to change?
And yet, we hear in the first chapter of the first book of the Bible, the words from a variety of authors complied over a large number of years, a story of the ultimate beginning. And it doesn’t advocate change. Each phase of the story ends with the same words: “And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:12b). As we enter 2026, I want to offer some ideas from this story to lead us into the new year that encourage us to think and act differently, building on the people we already are and trusting that God sees that “it is good”.
On day one God created light.
How can we be light in this troubled and hurting world? By smiling more, offering encouraging words, seeking to limit our criticisms, by showing generosity to others, by being gentler on ourselves, intentionally encouraging those around us. What can you do?
On day two God created the sky above and the waters below.
Have you ever stood and watched the clouds roll by or stopped and actively allowed yourself to be awed by the beauty of the colours in the sky? What about pausing by the sea to watch the waves crashing on the shore or the still waters of a lake? How about deliberately taking time to wonder at the beauty of the firmament?
On day three God created land, plants and trees.
Our world needs trees and plants more than ever. More hedgerows are destroyed each year which means wildlife struggle for habitats. What about planting a tree each month? What about guerilla gardening on a local patch of land and scattering wildflower seeds so that more people can enjoy the beauty of the area? How can you help nature to flourish?
On day four God created the sun, moon and stars.
Do you remember the 1999 advert for a certain orange jelly cake (or biscuit) that had a woman eating the cake and saying: “full moon, half moon, total eclipse?”
How about surprising a friend with a tasty treat? Or buying a coffee for a random stranger? Or treating yourself to a yummy snack? When we bless others, it brings joy (and when we bless ourselves, let us savour the feeling of joy in self-care).
On day five God created the creatures- in the sea and sky.
With so many animals facing extinction, why not pause and give thanks for the wonder of the creatures in sky and sea. How many birds can you recognise? What bird calls can you identify? How many species of fish can you name? Take time to give thanks and to expand your knowledge.
On day six, God created all the animals and humankind, too.
Reach out to a friend you haven’t been in touch with. Write a letter to someone you know is having a hard time or has had a tough time recently. Phone someone who lives alone and check in. Send a text to encourage someone. Relationships with each other are life giving and necessary. And the animals… pat the dog, cuddle the cat, feed the horse in the field nearby. Consider the interconnectivity of us all.
On day seven God rested.
Go on, have that nap, sit down with that new book, find a comfy chair and let your body sink into it. And feel no guilt or shame or embarrassment. God showed us the way!
Happy New Year!
Image: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash.