Write the Vision: Entering 2026 with Gratitude, Purpose, and Faith (Habakkuk 2:2)

Let’s Get Ready for 2026

Welcome to the last day of 2025 ,we made it. It feels almost surreal that this year is finally coming to an end. Before anything else, pause and ask yourself:

Have you taken time to say “thank You” to God for all He has done for you and your loved ones this year?

God has been faithful. He has carried us, sustained us, protected us, and provided for us in ways seen and unseen.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Before going to bed last night, right after finishing this post, I sat with my journal and wrote down 10 things I am thankful to God for in 2025. I encourage you to do the same. Don’t rush through it. Don’t be vague. Reflect intentionally:

Think back to how you started the year… the challenges, prayers, silent battles, breakthroughs — and how far God has brought you.

Write it down. Let gratitude soften your heart.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
— Psalm 103:2

A Word on Entitlement & Gratitude

On the last Sunday of the year, Pastor Robert Madu was the guest minister at my church and he preached a message on entitlement. One statement that deeply resonated with me was:

“Expectations without gratitude lead to entitlement.”

We often run so quickly to what God provides that we fail to acknowledge who God is.

The enemy’s strategy has not changed — he wants us to stay focused on what we don’t have. But here’s a truth we must confront:

You cannot be thankful for what you feel entitled to.

Many of us have experienced relationships where people receive help repeatedly yet never say thank you — or worse, respond as if what they received was not enough. Entitlement slowly erodes gratitude, contentment, and joy.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
— James 1:17

Gratitude keeps our hearts soft. Entitlement hardens them.

Now Let’s Talk About 2026: Write the Vision

If you haven’t written your goals for 2026 or created a vision board yet, it’s not too late. This post is your sign — and your guide.

“Write the vision and make it plain.”
— Habakkuk 2:2

You don’t need to spend money or make anything elaborate. I’m a minimalist, so instead of printing magazine photos or aesthetics, I created mine in a simple bingo-style grid — clear, intentional, and easy to reflect on throughout the year.

Writing things down matters. It brings clarity, accountability, and prayerful focus.

Here is a Mock Vision Board Template — “VISION 2026”

Place a check mark or a star next to each goal once completed…

 A New Practice I’m Starting in 2026

I also plan to start a meaningful habit next year:

I want to keep a large envelope (or even a small “mailbox-style” box) where I will place letters to my younger self, my future self, and letters I’ll write during difficult emotional moments. I’ll seal them and keep them until December 2026 — then read them all.

It will be a reminder of growth, healing, and God’s faithfulness through every season.I also have two minimalist journals available here on my website — one for daily prayer https://tabithainspires.com/product/inspired-to-pray-daily/ (Inspired to Pray Daily) and one for planning https://tabithainspires.com/product/inspired-to-plan/ (Inspired to Plan). If you need structure or motivation, they’re a great companion for your journey.

Don’t Forget This

• Thankful people don’t lose, they gain perspective.
• Check the areas of your life where entitlement has quietly crept in.
• Pay attention to what you complain about, it reveals what you’ve taken for granted.
• Gratitude doesn’t just change your mood, it transforms your heart.

“Do not be anxious about anything… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
— Philippians 4:6

Here’s to entering 2026 with gratitude, humility, expectation, and faith.

God has more ahead of you than behind you.