Pausing Before a New Year Unfolds

This morning I’ve had the luxury of reading, journaling, praying, and soaking up some time in reflection. I enjoy doing this as chapters come to a close or open in life, and the closing of the calendar year and the beginning of another season is one great time to do this. I am reminded, even as I have time right now to do this exercise, that I must make regular space for turning inward, becoming aware of my own questions and worries, dreams and hopes. I sometimes don’t even know what I need, what I am lacking, all that I have to be grateful for, what God is whispering, and what is driving me – until I stop to listen, process, become aware, and ask God for help. It’s such a renewing and revitalizing practice, so it surprises me that I still have to work to get myself to do it, and still have to quiet down all the other voices and noise in everyday life in order to access the space to be quiet and listen and receive. So for anyone else who struggles with carving time out for reflection, or pressing pause in order to remember where you’re heading, this is for you.

A few of the phrases that I read today jumped off the page, and made their way into my journal and my memory as reminders of such great truth; I hope they also make