resolutions and remembering
Remember, remember…scripture commands hundreds of times to ‘remember’. How can we do this?
How do you mark the days, the weeks, the months so that you remember what you’ve learned? Even a casual look at history tells us that, as humans, we are prone to forget and repeat.
I want to share what has helped me in the past decade, hoping that perhaps you might find it useful. It’s a series of simple questions designed to help me think through a period of time.
I read once (Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson) that “we cannot change what we do not notice.” Truth. I resolved to be a better ‘noticer’ of myself, my circumstances, my people, and my spaces. It’s not a flawless system, but it has tremendously improved my observation.
It works like this:
Daily, I answer one question:
What was I thankful for yesterday?
I love to start the day with this question as it grounds me in the knowledge that the God who cared for me (and others) in the past is the same God who today sees and knows me. It also helps lift my eyes from the daily concerns, worries, and alarming news. Thankfulness helps me focus on trust.
Weekly, I take about a minute to answer the questions:
What worked well this week?
Where did I experience God’s presence?
Where and with whom did I find the most joy?
In doing this, I’m hoping to keep the practices that worked for me, like rhythms of exercise, eating, rest, and scripture. I’m also hoping to notice what’s not on the list and perhaps change things up in those areas!
Monthly, I have a bit longer list. This will usually take me about fifteen minutes, give or take any distractions with the bird feeders!
What was the highlight of this past month?
What was the biggest surprise?
What was my biggest regret?
How did you experience God the most this past month?
Any new friends or significant people the Lord brought?
Any relationships that left my life? Any reconciling needed?
Places visited and memories?
What is God teaching you right now?
When did you laugh the hardest this past month?
Many times, I have to actually look back through my calendar to remember what actually happened. This has been particularly helpful to mark smaller occasions that were impacting. I especially love noticing the people in my life. Noticing if I need to do any relationship mending before time gets away.
Lastly, yearly, I try to take a couple of hours to sit quietly and reflect. I try to not get hung up on what day or time this happens, or even if it happens the first week in January. The important thing is that it happens.
These questions come yearly:
How have you seen the Lord at work this past year in yourself?
What are the character qualities He is growing in you?
What character qualities are you desiring to grow?
How do you see the Lord working with your friends and family?
What has encouraged your walk with Jesus?
What has been distracting to your growth?
When has the Lord invited me to leave my comfort zone or repent? How did I respond?
How have I been a blessing to others this year?
Where am I participating in the work of reconciliation, restoration, and re-creation?
If you are at all like me, the days whiz past and can seem all jumbled together in a blur. I’m not a great journaler, and don’t spend much time writing about my feelings.
These practices above have helped me slow down routinely to remember and to gaze around myself. When I slow down enough to look around, I find a beautiful story unfolding. Creation around me comes to life. I see God’s work in the lives around me.
For as long as the Lord gives me days to live, I want to live those days intentionally pursuing Him and His plans. He has invited me into His vision. Reflecting helps me put the pieces of life into place and see His larger story.
If you give these questions a try, I’d love to hear how it goes!
Yearly, I make my own devotional that has these questions included. I’d be happy to share that with you- just reach out!