Today is 1st July and that means that the first half of 2014 is history – just like that. I don't know about you, but time seems to go faster as you get older, or maybe it's just that there is less of it ahead of you.
Moses tells us to number or consider our days so we can present to God a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). In any sports game, there is usually a half time period. It's a good time to stop, refresh, refuel and reflect on how the first half has gone. You are then in a good position to get back into the second half, ready to go and positioned to make it even better than the first half, and hopefully finish with that winning feeling.
Why not take an hour or two aside and just STOP … Be still. Pray and consider how life is going for you right now.
Here are some reflection questions that you might find helpful before you start rushing into the second half of this year:
1. What has gone well? What can you express thanks to God for?
2. What were the challenges? How did you handle them? What did you learn? In what way were they growth opportunities?
3. How have you changed? What's different now?
4. What needs your attention right now?
5. What kind of a person do you want to become in the next few months? [This is a more important question than "What do you need to do?" in the next few months]
6. Is your current schedule working for you? Could a new schedule be like a new script that shapes your future?
7. What do you need to stop doing? Start doing? Do less of? Do more of?
8. Has life become too busy, resulting in you feeling frazzled and stressed? What are the vital few things that you need to discern from amongst the trivial many? Could less be more?
9. Who could help you right now? Maybe it's an advisor, a mentor, a coach, a spiritual guide, a counsellor, a pastor or a friend.
I pray that you will hear the gentle whisper of the Spirit speaking … and calling … and that you will respond. Your life may never be the same.
Ephesians 5:13-17. Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. NIV