My goodness gracious, December 2016 is officially here! I am honestly mind blown at how fast the time has gone. Seriously, I think I blinked in early January and then opened my eyes to Christmas being about three weeks away. I have run into numerous people that have felt the same exact way—it’s almost creepy. As I spoke with my mother during Thanksgiving break, she shared that the Bible speaks of this time acceleration. This is something I’m definitely curious about and want to do more research on. In the meantime, what I do know is that Jesus is really coming back, y’all.
Anyways, I’m so intrigued. So, this post was created as I’ve been taking time to think about this year as it comes to an end. I am in no rush to start 2017, I promise. But, I am a big believer that every minute, every hour, and every day we are in is an opportunity to be changed, transformed and bless someone else’s life. So, while I look forward to December, I am also in a season of contemplation.
I find it super helpful to take a step back and look at my year to identify what has happened in my life. I take time to find my victories of the year, the areas that I have grown in, and the relationships that have grown throughout the year. I also reflect on the complete other side of things by taking inventory of the areas I am not so proud of—the areas I slacked in, the books I started and never finished, the promises I made but didn’t keep, etc. It’s important to look back and not just see the good things, but the tough areas too. There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, but the only way to grow is to be honest about areas we need growth in. LOL. It’s funny that many of us want to grow, but we have a hard time admitting our areas of weakness. I also think it’s especially fun to take time to think of how the challenging moments of the year revealed where my trust in the Lord was. I want to post about this in the next weeks.
This year, my song of the year was “You are Good”, by Bethel. My scripture of the year was in Ecclesiastics 8:15: “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” I asked myself, “Did I live this out? Did I remember how good God was daily? Did I take time to enjoy the gifts God has given me?” This is super important to me, because my desire is to keep growing in these areas. I want my life to constantly please the Lord and that means in all areas—my relationships, my job, my finances, my integrity and so forth. As I welcome December 2016, I also welcome conviction, revelation and motivation. Join me in ending 2016 with a bang—not by barely making it, not by being a victim to the craziness of the year, but by ending with a loud hope that we have made it through.
Be on the lookout for my completed inventory of 2016 when December comes to an end. I would love to share my findings; although, I’m sure it will be super vulnerable! 🙂
Do you have any traditions or practices that help you evaluate your year? Please share, your thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Glory, Grub & Grind 
Wow Evelyn we really were connected in the spirit as we shared on this similar topic. LOL I really enjoyed reading this. Doing a self evaluation is so important. Your right. I want growth but I don’t like the growing pains. Who does? God help us. Looking back and seeing how God has been faithful this year even when I questioned where was He? He’ was always present. He was always with me and my family. Through my pain it was hard for me to sing…”your a good, good Father” but now I SHOUT IT OUT. Not because I got my way BUT BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD GOOD FATHER!!! My word of the year was Perspective and my song “It is well with my soul” . His ways are greater even when I don’t fully understand them and because I have Him in my life….all is well with my soul! Thanks again for sharing. Love you.
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