Looking to a New Year filled with blessings!

By Gavin Lewis
NOLA Catholic Parenting

As we begin a new year, my wife and I find joy by embracing our family and friends, cherishing the moments we have shared and those yet to come. In the daily story of our lives, God continually gives us thoughts of hope, love and positivity, ensuring that our focus remains steadfastly on the blessings that surround us.

Each year, we make a conscious effort to set the tone for our family, establishing traditions that echo our daily actions in which we try to model our faith and gratitude for our family. These traditions are a testament to our commitment to keeping God at the forefront of our lives. From the simple act of giving thanks before every meal to the more elaborate celebrations of significant milestones, we infuse each moment with the divine presence.

One such tradition is the New Year’s Eve family gathering, where we gather with loved ones to reflect on the year gone by and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings we have received. It’s a time of shared stories, laughter, and anticipation for the adventures awaiting us in the coming year. As the clock strikes midnight, we embrace not only the new year but also the promise of God’s guidance and grace.

Fostering gratitude

Proverbs 3:5-6 serves as a guiding light for our family: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse, both parent- and kid-friendly, encompasses our belief of relying on God’s wisdom and acknowledging his role in charting our course for the year ahead.

In our household, we instill the importance of gratitude and compassion in our children, fostering an environment where they understand that true joy comes from a heart filled with love for God and others. Acts of kindness, both big and small, become a natural outpouring of our faith, reflecting the values we hold close to our hearts.

As parents, we recognize the responsibility of nurturing our children’s spiritual growth. We integrate Bible lessons, and personal testimonies of how God continues to have his hand in our daily lives, imparting wisdom that hopefully serves as a foundation for their character. Psalm 118:24 resonates with our family, reminding us that each day is a gift from God: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Looking ahead to the new year, it is important to embrace the unknown with confidence, knowing that God’s love and guidance will illuminate your path. By keeping faith, family and friends at the center of your celebrations, you will create a path united by love, joy and divine connection. 

As we all embark on the journey of the new year, may the blessings of God surround and uplift us, making each moment a testament to his grace. 

Happy New Year, and in 2024, may God continue to bless you all and your loved ones. 

Gavin C. Lewis Sr., a native of New Orleans, is married and has four young children. He is a graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a master’s in educational leadership from the University of Holy Cross and is currently a full-time student on track to earn a doctorate in organizational development. He enjoys reading, traveling with his family, going to sporting events with his son, swimming and playing dress up with his three daughters.