It’s that time of the year again where my lovely husband starts reflecting on the past year. It’s his yearly thing to do and as a family we are now pretty used to this annual event.
Reflection is actually not a bad thing to do as it means think, have consideration, study, ponder, mediate and contemplate. Which is interesting because for the most part our fast paced, production focused world doesn’t give much time for reflection.
Which is probably why most people don’t slow down long enough to reflect on their day, let alone their year. But without reflection how can we ascertain how we are travelling through life, take stock of our health, relationships, spiritual journey, whether we are dealing with our hurts and disappointments or carrying them around with us, and readjust and refocus on our goals and the dreams God has placed in our hearts.
Taking the time to slow down, to breathe, think deeply, listen to our hearts, to God and to reflect on who we are, who God is and His plan for our life is one of the best ways to keep growing and developing into all that we were created to be.
The bible says, “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” (Proverbs 27:10 ESV) Yet without reflection we can miss what is buried within our hearts and therefore push aside issues that need our attention and also God’s plans and purposes and strategy to fulfil them.
Today ask yourself why don’t I stop and take more time to reflect? Is it because I am afraid of what I might have to face, or of my disappointment because of the course my life has taken? Or am I so rushed and exhausted I simply don’t stop long enough?
A solution is to prioritise some time to reflect with Jesus. He will help and enable us to see the hidden things of our hearts and our lives through His perspective and plan. Where we feel we have failed or have disappointments and frustrations He will, if we ask Him give us wisdom to make better decisions, heal our hurts, energise us to keep on going on our journey and direct us in the right paths to take. Where we are achieving our dreams and goals He will encourage us to dream bigger and also teach us how to inspire others to do the same.
I encourage you to schedule in some quiet space to be able to reflect: to ponder, contemplate and consider all that you are thinking, feeling and doing so that you continue to grow for, “life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”. (Soren Kierkegaard)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Prayer:Lord thankyou for this day and your hand upon my life. Please help me to take some time to stop, reflect and listen to your guidance so that I can continue to grow into all that you created me to be. In Jesus name
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