By the Way: I’m going with gratitude

By Rev. Nancy Cocks on January 17, 2026.

I’m glad the Christmas season is behind us. Three dear colleagues died unexpectedly this autumn, all within a year of my age. Their loss left a weight on my heart that dampened my usual sense of seasonal joy.

Alongside rather ominous world events, I didn’t feel very merry. Yet, in my own life there were many good things happening. The healing I experienced after surgery last summer went so well.

My physical health is even better than before, and my friends proved so faithful and encouraging. I have every reason to be grateful and rejoice.

Isn’t that life? If we focus on certain events, we feel a burden of sadness or worry. Yet if we look in another direction, we’ll see something wonderful, something to make us smile, something that assures us there is still goodness in this world.

I recently heard an interview with a journalist who is trying to highlight more good news in our times, to counter the news feed of disasters, violence, and lies. He thinks such “doom scrolling” turns our attention away from good things that have been achieved, efforts making a difference in the lives of those at risk, problems that are solved.

He’s not denying bad news. But he’s concerned if that’s all we look at, we lose hope and we lose the energy to work for change.

He challenged me to think about my three cherished colleagues, gone too soon. Each one, in her own area of expertise, contributed so much to vulnerable lives and the struggle for a more just and equitable world.

Three inspiring women for whom I will always be grateful. So my resolution for the New Year is to let my gratitude lead me. Despite all the challenges we face, I will keep reminding myself what a difference my three friends made. And I’m resolved to put my renewed health and gratitude to work while I can, remembering Jesus brought “good news” for those willing to hear it.

I’m going with gratitude this year. Care to join me?

Rev. Nancy Cocks is a retired Presbyterian minister

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