I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw.
Prov. 23:32
The end of the year is always a good time to look back and learn from decisions that either helped or hindered our passion for the Lord. From the wisdom of hindsight, what might we learn from the ways we have observed ourselves growing (or not) over the past year? And what adjustments might we consider in the coming year to ensure that we keep strong in our spiritual direction?
Consider the following Awareness Examen as applied to your spiritual growth over the past twelve months:
- What particular seasons of growth do you remember? What were the dry times?
- What circumstances occasioned these experiences? How did you respond to them?
- What has grown in you as a result of these dry or abundant times?
- What has been pruned as a result of these?
- What new or deeper desires do you now have that you didn’t have a year ago?
- What desires did you have then that don’t seem to be as pressing today?
- What do you know about God that you didn’t know a year ago?
- What do you know about yourself that you didn’t know a year ago?
- How is your relationship to others different than at this time last year?
- How can you apply what God has taught you about your own spiritual growth in the coming year?
- What choices will help you remain fruitful?
As you look back on the previous year make note as well of particular activities and choices that most significantly contributed to your spiritual passion and growth. What insights, books, people or events helped fuel the flame of your zeal? Consider as well the decisions or conditions that quenched your spiritual life—situations that either distracted or dissipated your spiritual passions. As we “apply our heart” to what we have observed in the past year we can easily learn what adjustments will be needed in order to assure a more profitable future.
FOR GROUP DISCUSSION:
- Discuss together the questions above.
- Make resolutions for the coming year in light of your answers.
- Write these down and plan to revisit these resolutions together later in the year
FOR PRAYER: Ask God for insight into the “garden” that is your life, that He would show you what grows well in you and whatever hinders your growth. Offer yourself as “co-creator” with God of your own life, or as a servant who wishes to steward well the garden God has given you.
Rob Des Cotes
Imago Dei Christian Communities
(written for Jan. 1, 2015)