This may be my favorite week of the year — the lull between Christmas and New Years. The traveling is done and/or the travelers who came to see you are headed back home. For most of us, work is slow. Salespeople aren’t calling and clients aren’t answering. School hasn’t yet started. There’s just not a lot going on. Unless, of course, you’re in retail, in which case, may the Good Lord be with you. Especially if you have to work the returns counter. (Be nice to those folks — it’s not their fault.) That said, this is a good time to reflect on the previous 365 days. Here are four questions I think might help.
What new thing did I learn about God this past year?
Did an old verse or story take on new meaning? Was there a moment in worship when you realized something you’d never considered or remembered something you’d forgotten? Were there days when you felt supported by a power not your own? No matter how long you’ve walked with God, you have yet to scratch the surface of his infinite character. The God you knew in your teens is no different than the God you know in your 20’s, 30’s or 80’s. But you and I are different. As our situations in life change, so too should our perspectives on God. And if you and I didn’t learn anything new, then maybe that’s a sign we aren’t growing. Speaking of which . . .
How have I changed?
Did you drop any old habits? Pick up some new ones? Make a new friend? End an unhealthy relationship? Did you ever look in the mirror this past year and ask, “Who are you?” Occasionally, we really surprise ourselves with a response we make to a situation or person. “That just wasn’t like me!” Most of the time, though, the changes we undergo are more subtle, gradual and imperceptible. Taking some time to reflect on how you are different now than you were 52 weeks ago can be enlightening. Maybe even encouraging!
Whom should I thank?
Was someone really there for you this past year when you needed them? Did someone go above and beyond to help you at work? At home? In the neighborhood? We are the recipients of a thousand graces over the course of a year. You may be one of those diligent souls who never fails to send a thank you note when someone does you a solid. If you’re like me, though, there is at least one person (and probably quite a few more) who blessed you and, while you intended to get right to it, you never did send that note or make that call. This is a good week to catch up on your gratitude. They’ll be blessed that something they did eleven months ago is still remembered. You’ll be blessed by remembering what they did.
What should I release?
On the other hand, not everyone was exactly a conduit of mercy and grace. Were some hard words exchanged? Some feelings hurt? Most of us can look back down Highway 2015 and see some shattered glass where relational collisions occurred. Sometimes, we need to revisit the scene of the incident, tell the truth about it (lovingly), and together, figure out how to avoid future pileups. But then there are those no-fault fender benders that jar every relationship. They aren’t intentional — they aren’t habitual — and they don’t come from neglect or abuse. They are those awkward moments where people just mess up. You get hurt, but not harmed. Heck, the airbags didn’t even deploy. You’ll enjoy the road ahead a lot more if you can let those go.
Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting this past year. If you’re so inclined, recommend the blog to a friend. I look forward to where God will take us next. Have a blessed and very happy New Year.
My final comment of 2015. I am so excited to see you use your gift of writing and story telling. I as many others have been uplifted by your post. I also count it a blessing that I call you my friend as well as Christian Brother.
Thank you, my friend. Your encouragement is and always has been a blessing.
A lot of good comments to think about and to take action on. Thank you as always for your thought provoking words.
Thank you, Dot. Blessings for a great 2016.
I appreciate the reminder to reflect. Your words are encouragement and guide. I am glad to have benefitted from your writing through 2015. I look forward to 2016 with you.
Jody, thank you for reminding us what is important. Your writings are a blessing to us all.
Marsy Thomas
As always, you write words we need to read; thoughts we need to ponder. I haven’t let you know often enough how much I appreciate reading your blog. And, yes, I’ve passed it on to others. Thank you for using this gift God has given you.
Once again your words have blessed me. Thankful for you and your gift.