“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
Daydreaming can get a person into trouble in school or during work hours of an office job, but pausing and reflecting can be one of the greatest highlights of a day as well. Reflection is important – it reminds us of what used to be, challenges that we overcome, and future opportunities of victory.
An important part of each day is a moment of reflection. It is the time to pause and take stock of your day – what went well, what could have been better, and what else we could have been doing. Through it we appreciate progress and prepare for the future. We can practice gratitude and appreciation for the blessings we have been given, and for the challenges we have faced. It is a time to refocus and recharge, and to make sure you are on the right track. Taking a moment to pause and reflect each day is an invaluable practice that can help you stay focused and motivated and can provide the clarity and direction needed to make the most of your time.
It is both the best and worst of times. It is often painful when we examine our actions and have to admit our mistakes. This can cause some serious discomfort and most of us do whatever we can to avoid it. Also, many of us were never taught how to reflect with any intentionality. Pondering the past, and reflection are not the same thing. Praying and devotional time with God, though important, is also different than reflecting.
So, here is an idea? At the beginning or end of each day, consider asking yourself some questions. Lock those answers into your brain. Here is a sample of questions I ask myself.
Is there something I am avoiding?
Were my strengths and gifts used today?
What have I done in the past that I need to start doing again?
What is one thing I could do in the future to improve?
Who did I help?
Did I hurt anyone?
Did my character make a difference?
Did my faith impact someone?
In Psalm 139:23-24, we learn to ask God to help us reflect on our life, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”