Take One More Look (@2020) Before You Leap!

You may be thinking, “Oh, I’ve already taken that leap, Tracy, and there is no turning back.” I hear you! But, I’m going to encourage you anyway, because I believe there is something to be learned from reflecting on our experiences and story.

“Pay attention to what you take with you as you leave the church.” This was the wisdom offered me by John Thornburg during a conversation we had in late September 2017, as I was leaving full-time music ministry. He knew from experience that transitions are emotional times and often our attention can be distracted by the details of a transition; but, his words reminded me that if I would stop and spend time in reflection, the things no longer needed would fall away allowing the things that I needed for my journey would reveal themselves to me and offer information about what might be the next right thing to do.

What do you need to take with you as you move from 2020 into 2021 and what can you leave behind? What do those things have to teach you about you, your life, and what changes would allow you to live more fully into who God created you to be?

The saying is true that “Hindsight is 20/20” or perhaps it should read “Hindsight is 2020.” Reflection invites us to revisit our story which leads to awareness which leads to discovery which leads to growth and transformation. Give yourself the gift of taking a look back with an inward, 180 degree glance - connecting to yourself through intentional self-awareness and ask yourself and the Spirit within some questions.

Here are 5 questions to stir your memory and invite you to take a look back into 2020:

1. What was the most significant experience for you?

2. What have you let go of in 2020 that you don’t expect to return to in the future?

3. What adjustments have been the hardest to make?

4. How did you surprised yourself?

5. How has 2020 shaped your understanding of what’s most important to you?

Take one, or all, of these questions. Notice the one that stands out the most and work with it. If one feels flat, skip it. Answer the question, then ask yourself: Why? How has it changed me? What has it taught me about myself? What action do I need to take in response to this?

Then, if you want to go deeper: take one of these a day, or add your own questions (these are just a few to get you started), use the question and your answer as a Topic of Conversation with God in prayer, sharing what you’ve learned and how it’s had an impact on you and your life. Then ask God to share with you what it meant to him and what else there is to learn from it. Be still and listen, then journal what was the most significant part of the prayer conversation.

May this time of inner exploration reveal more to you than you imagined. May the invitation to share your discoveries with God bring you closer in connection with each other. May you discover a new practice of connection through this simple rhythm of prayer. May you discover what you need to take with you from 2020 into 2021 and what you can leave behind!

Peace and love to you in this new year!