A New Year's Slow-Down

If you're anything like me, you're ending 2008 at a frantic pace....parties, projects, and playdates have been taking up much of our time the last few weeks. And though it's been good to paint bedrooms, organize closets, enjoy holidays with family, and get together with old friends, I've gotta admit that alot of the important things can slip through the cracks.

I've enjoyed getting more than 6 hours of sleep every night....but my early morning appointment with God is usually the thing that suffers (instead of my late-night tv or internet surfing).

The parties and playdates have been so much fun for our family...and they're essential for my emotional well-being....but not if the preparations and planning keep me from getting every-day things done.

How much time do we set aside for reflection? How often do we slow down enough to see the amazing ways God has provided or the lessons He's teaching us? Whether you've had a crappy year or an amazing one, we shouldn't miss an opportunity to pause and thank God for His involvement in our lives.

So inbetween throwing back your sparkling grape juice, watching Ryan Seacrest, and trying not to get caught double-dipping your chips....grab a journal and invite your friends and family to take some time to reflect. Simple Mom has a great list of questions for you, and even has it in PDF form on her website for you to print. Maybe not every question applies to you, but it's a good start on not just surviving life, but relishing it!!

Reflection Questions for 2008 (from Simplemom.net)

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe 2008.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2008 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2008 (again, without asking).

8. What were the best books you read this year?

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2008 for you.