2009 - HIStory
At the close of the year – I take time to stop and reflect on the year gone by. I’ve found this helps me get a grip on where I’m at and understand where I hope to go in the coming year.
I do this by stopping to ask myself 10 simple questions about the previous year and I record my thoughts. Each year I read last years answers and record the current ones. Looking back – I marvel at what’s changed – which is mostly – me!
The reality is that years come and go – once they’re gone we have memories and the fruit of our labor in the Lord – they become HIS story… history.
- Some years – we find ourselves glad to see them go!
- Other years – we savor the closing – with a full and grateful heart.
- And there are those years – that are pulled from our clutches…
Regardless of what’s transpired, when I stop to reflect on the year – it gives me perspective. I can get so intense on looking ahead – even pursuing what I think the Lord has shown me – that I fail to look back. But in looking back - it prepares me to go forward – gives resolution to the past and resolve for the future. I don’t want to repeat mistakes, nor do I want to dwell on the past. That’s why I need to stop and REMEMBER.
Remembering helps me “smile at the future” because I can always see the faithfulness of God when I look back. “There (really) is no shadow of turning with Thee.”
We’re daily reminded of what’s transpired in the world around us and how society has changed over the last year, but it takes purposeful focus to notice how our own lives have changed. This takes introspection. Bad word, huh? As Moms we don’t like to do this. So, in challenge of the status quo – here’s my list of questions (your own will do just fine).
2009 – 10 simple questions
- How have I spent my time? (allocated time and spare time)
- What has been the result of the actions I have taken?
- What or who has inspired me?
- What am I grateful for?
- What personal sorrows or disappointments took place and how have I been changed by them?
- What personal breakthroughs and accomplishments transpired and how have I been changed by them?
- What books have I read this year and how have they impacted me?
- What scriptural truths have I grasped and how have they changed me?
- What areas of personal growth have I worked at and what are the results?
- What dreams or goals did the Lord give me for 2009 and how were they addressed?
Time for change!
I’ve changed out the links and buttons to the right for a new season. I’ve chosen blogs and books that inspire ideas for organization.
As you make your plans for 2010 – remember to subscribe to Above & Beyond by e-mail and follow me on Twitter
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I love that list — very convicting!
I was so glad to see your nice comment on my blog. I thought I had bookmarked your blog back during the blog awards, but when I looked for it to add you to my reader I couldn’t find it. (With some things I’m a great organizer, but not with the computer!) So now I’ve added you to my reader. : )
Thanks for your comment. You have a very nice and inviting blog. I love your family picture. I will be visiting you often.
Love your 10 questions. Puts everything in perspective doesn’t it. Good idea.
Great blog! I will be checking back often for more good advice on organizing… Thanks so much for stopping by my place and leaving a comment – I appreciate the encouragement!
Thank you so much for your dedication and the wisdom you share. I had made a list of goals for 2010, but didn’t even think about looking back at 2009. I think once I do, I will feel a great sense of gratefulness.
Grabbing my journal now to write down and reflect on the questions! Thanks for the new “tradition” – I can’t wait to see God’s faithfulness revealed again and again!
thanks for the reminder Mom, thes years go too fast and I often don’t take the time to reflect back.