Reflections on 2012

This is a good time to do some reflections on this last year and then begin to work on what needs to happen to have a great year in 2013.  Here are some things to do during one's reflection time.  First, look at what went right.  It is important to remember the positive things in life.  If one only thinks of the negative it can open the door to depression.  Second, highlight the good family times that you had because when all is said and done the relational times with family are very important.  Third, begin to list the things that you wanted to accomplish but yet are still undone.  Here one needs to answer the question of whether or not they still need to be done or just left undone.  If it is something that ought to be done then place that item as a high priority to accomplish in 2013.  There is great wisdom at times to leave some things undone because in the big picture they really do not matter.  Learning to do what is most important is vital because all too often we keep dealing with the urgent and leave undone what is important.  Fourth, list the things that were a negative in your life.  Spend some time thinking about what the next step ought to be in these situations.  Some of these areas you may need to talk to someone to receive counsel and as a believer one ought to make this a matter of prayer in asking God what to do.  It is in this area that some type of change maybe necessary whether it is my own attitude, a spiritual growth area or restoration of relationship, or just making a stronger level of commitment to do what you know you ought to do.  This is not an easy thing to do but if you want 2013 to be a better year then in 2012, it means you must do some things differently.  On a personal note as I am going through this process I realize two things clearly.  First, God has been good to me even though I did not see some of things I was believing God for in 2012.   Second, I am conscious of the fact that I need to change and continue to grow as a child of God in order to see what I am believing God to do in 2013.
May the favor of the Lord be with us in 2013.

Pastor John