December 2025 / January 2026
As the turning point of the year approaches, many of us will reflect and wonder what 2026 has in store for family, friends and our community – and, indeed, globally.
The Serenity Prayer* holds timeless wisdom and there’ll always be things we cannot change. However, nurturing a positive view on life is one way to see the good that surrounds us. But what of the tough times? There is a silence on Christmas Day like no other. For some it’s a chance to enjoy the solitude. For others it brings a sadness, memories of those no longer here, worries about the future or a loneliness that never ends. Gratitude is still your friend.
Aim for the smallest of steps, because these are the building blocks that underpin resilience. And heaven knows we all need that!
Many years ago, I interviewed a psychiatrist/author. I remember her saying that whatever you do in life, do it with grace. Whether it’s working as a medical consultant or gathering rice in a paddy field, be the best you can. On wobbly days it can be getting up, reading a good book and finding Classic FM on the radio, noticing the changing sky. It’s truly cumulative.
Everyone has a different take, and interestingly, several people I’ve spoken to about this have named Sir Terry Waite as the person best placed to talk about gratitude. I’m privileged to have known him for some years and he readily agreed to offer his perspective and wisdom.
Peace and blessings.
Annette Shaw, freelance writer
Recently I received a gift from a friend which was totally unexpected. I can’t begin to say what pleasure it brought me. It was not so much the gift itself but the fact that someone cared enough to express their thanks in such a way. It deepened the friendship between us, which will continue long after the gift has been forgotten. My gratitude forms another bond in what is a caring relationship.
We give not to expect gratitude but to further enhance a relationship. We receive with gratitude and thankfulness even though at times it easier to give than to receive.
Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE
Gratitude is an attitude – a perspective we can choose to wear, even in difficulty, transforming hearts from fear and pain to peace and joy. I learnt this from my parents.
Recently, when my father was hospitalised with heart trouble – far from home, separated from my mother, both grieving lost friends and siblings – my parents had every reason to complain. Yet their response was simply thanksgiving: for each other, for medical care, for life’s remaining blessings.
There’s a rich biblical tradition of this. Miriam sang by the sea, David danced, Mary magnified the Lord. Each chose gratitude amid uncertainty, refusing to let life’s struggles define them. They demonstrated the transformational power of a grateful heart.
The Revd Cally Burch, Interim Rector
Drawing on my own life – and there have been many challenges and hurdles – there have always been lessons that helped me grow in empathy and understanding.
I’m also grateful to the key people who shaped my early years, particularly my mum and grandmother. They gave me a firm foundation, loving support, direction and the belief that I could achieve whatever I wanted.
My greatest personal joy comes from my own loving family; they live close by and for that I am truly grateful. I am embedded in their journey, which is a privilege and a joy.
Wendy Thorogood, Parish Safeguarding Officer and former nurse consultant
I am grateful for:
Teachers who taught confidence as well as grammar. The authors who inspire and entertain. Culture, Radio 4, music and dancing. The countryside of beautiful Dorset (especially the ginger cliffs). Health professionals everywhere. Producers of good and sustainable food, coffee and wine. Whoever invented tennis, suitcases on wheels, spa hotels and sat navs. My readers. The people who make me laugh. The people who love me.
Rosanna Ley, novelist and creative writing tutor
I was born into the family business, so reaching adulthood and coming to work here was a rite of passage. But it’s also been a journey that’s allowed me to be part of the community, to connect in a unique way with everyone I support on such a personal level, and to build relationships in and around this lovely town of Bridport.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity that life has given me: not only have I had a chance to give so much, I’ve also had the chance to build lifelong friendships that in turn have given me so much.
Simon Wakely, independent family and funeral director
I’m grateful that I can live in peace in the country where I was born. I can’t imagine having to flee and start again somewhere else.
I’m grateful that I can turn on the tap and get water that’s safe to drink – something that two billion people in the world still don’t have.
I’m grateful that both my parents had what I think we’d all call “a good death”. My father died this year and ultimately just slipped away in the night. I feel for anyone who cares for a parent over many years of ill health and pain.
Olivia Daly, Editor, The Bridge
*God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.