As I sit here at my green writing table, I can hardly wait for my fresh new, 2015 notebook. . . I geek-out on New Year’s resolution thinking, excited for the energy that comes with a fresh start. It’s like I’m this penned-up dog ready for my owner to release the leash as I stand at this huge field of freshly fallen snow.
But it’s not 2015 just yet.
Before we jump ahead, let’s stop and look back. Gratitude has a way of warming us up, rejuvenating us for what’s next. The best way to speed up is to slow down first.
One practical help I found for zooming up and looking back is an annual examen prayer. If you’ve got a little time, check it out–I sense you’ll be glad you did. But if today is busy, you can still think a bit on the broad strokes of it:
- Looking back, what (and who) am I grateful for this year?
- Where have I felt true joy?
- What has challenged me?
- What has troubled me?
- When did I have time for renewal and pause?
- Have I noticed God in any of this?
- In light of all this. . . what is my response moving forward?
The pages in my 2015 notebook are blank, unknown. . . and yet I’m thankful, knowing that no matter what comes, all will be well (Julian of Norwich).
Cheers to all of it! And happy new year.
