A New Beginning by Chris Lynch, of Green Pastures Christian Writers

I like a new beginning. January 2026 – a new year, a time to look forward, a time to hope for new challenges that might push me out of my comfort zone, that grow me as a person. New blessings from God. What will He bring into my life in the coming year? Maybe there will be experiences I will not see as blessings but perhaps turn out to be in disguise.

Yesterday I read a post by Pete Greig about Examen – a prayerful process of reviewing the day just passed, or maybe the whole of 2025. One of the steps he suggests is looking back through our journal of each month noting the more significant circumstances and life situations we have experienced. This could be moments of good and not so good. Times of rejoicing, or sadness; of breakthrough or hurt and failure. Through this examination we may see patterns or themes that were not obvious at the time. These may lead to repentance, forgiveness and renewal as we offer them to God. 

Writing is a gift from God. Our God is the creator, and He has given us creative minds even though sometimes they may be hidden beneath layers of life that get in the way. Writing is a process of recording the journey from our minds onto paper – a way to set down thoughts and memories that do not always remain otherwise. We can re-read about an experience that we went through or a situation that brought sorrow. Maybe a blessing from God, a time of laughter, a reminder of loved ones in our lives that we spent time with, or friendships that broke down. 

As we move through this first month of 2026, let us remember that each day is a new beginning. A time to surrender ourselves and our lives to Him who knows all things and wants only the best for us. The Psalms speak of how we are in His hand, and describes Him as a fortress, a rock, and a shelter – places where He protects us. I am thankful for the different authors of the Psalms who wrote about their situations in life: the fears, joy, despair and forgiveness they found in Yahweh. Their lives seemed to be pretty messy with wars, killing, adultery and failures, and yet they transcribed these experiences so that people who came after them could identify with them and know that their God forgave and gave them new strength. What a promise that is for us that we can claim each day, every day a new beginning.

Chris Lynch is a former paramedic, now working as a counsellor, and based in Norfolk. She is a new member of ACW and is thrilled to be part of this blog.