We are nearing the end of what some have termed ‘the worst year ever’. As the year draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect back. It has certainly been a time of catastrophic, worldwide losses and deep, personal pain for many of us. We have seen the pandemic sweep across the globe, with no signs of slowing down, politicians play dirty, nations continuing to suffer under poor leadership as well as natural disasters, and a spotlight on the racism still deeply embedded in many of our cultures.
TIME TO REFLECT
We would do well to reflect soberly on the state of our own nation, neighbourhood – and our own individual hearts. One of the big lessons of this year is that we have so little control over anything. May that make us humble before God, acknowledging our place, as well as his place, in the universe.
I always like to take some time in the run up to the turn of the year to reflect back and think about what went well, what I found difficult, what lessons I learned, what brought joy and what relationships blossomed. I also think about the things I need to leave behind. Perhaps you could take the time to do the same?
LOOKING AHEAD
I also think it is important to think and pray about the year ahead. I like to consider how I might go deeper in my relationship with God (perhaps trying new spiritual disciplines), what relationships I sense God is asking me to cultivate, how I can encourage my family, what I believe are the next steps for my work/ministry etc.
At a Zoom Christmas lunch I attended this December, we were each asked to think about what good things we’d like to take forward from 2020 into 2021. My response was to keep clinging to God (which I have had to do a lot this year) and also listen to my body and give myself a break when I really need one, without feeling guilty.
A WORD FOR THE YEAR?
That leads me neatly onto another practice I started doing a few years ago – asking God for a word that he would like me to pray into and explore for the year. I haven’t settled completely on my word yet, but I have a sense that it links into finding that right rhythm with God.
MAKING SPACE
If you haven’t already done so, can I encourage you to take some time out to reflect back on 2020 and look forward to 2021 with an attitude of prayer. One of the practices that I have found really helpful, since reading Sharon Brown’s Sensible Shoes series, is the Daily Examen.
It can be helpful to view the Examen as a way of sitting with Jesus and talking through what happened during the day. It is about slowing down to pay attention to the details of our lives, which we might otherwise overlook, so it can be helpful to visualise snapshots of our days in our minds.
The wonderful Lectio365 app has utilised this approach over the last three days to help users look back over the past year. If you haven’t already seen it, it would definitely be worth taking a look. You can download the app from here.
GOD KNOWS
I know that it has been a tough year, and we are still in the midst of difficult restrictions. But we have much to be grateful for (another spiritual discipline!) – not least that we have a God who sits on the throne, for whom none of this has been a surprise, and who knows exactly what next year holds.
And finally…
ONLINE RETREAT
I recognise that many of us still have much to process from this year. To help facilitate this, I have created an online retreat for 23 January for us to spend time with Jesus and walk through our disappointment and loss with him. Details can be found here:
If you know anyone else who you think would be interested in this event, please do forward on the details to them. Thank you x