There are a few things that happen this time of year in my world. While most may be figuring out what gifts to get, how to get them and stay within a budget (or ignoring the budget all together), others are planning parties and juggling schedules, and all the rest of the holiday happenings, I find myself if bodily present (pun intended) in some of these activities mentally thinking about two or three other topics.
The first is something I started doing in college. This time of year I start planning the following years spiritual journey and areas I hope to grow in throughout the next year. This includes bible reading plans, books I hope to read, topics I want to study, classes I want to take, relationships I want to either build or carve out of my life for one reason or another. So I'm spending time looking at the future and making some mental plans, writing down spiritual goals, setting up time lines for the new year, and so on and so forth. So really, this time of year always has me looking ahead.
Another activity I find myself engaging in is looking behind me. Not necessarily looking at my rear behind, but looking into the past. I pull out my planner pages, I review my journals, I think about what experiences I've had with job, family, friends, God and I try to think through what principles I've learned. I look to see if I've applied what God has taught me. I think of areas of my life that need some working and I assess if I am teachable in those areas or if I am simply ignoring God's work to bring those areas under the control of the Holy Spirit.
To be honest, I like the planning part of the year better than the reviewing part.
Time for another cup of coffee.
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