“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I have been following a particular blog written by Elisabeth Klein for well over a year now. This end-of-the-year topic of looking back and contemplating the year’s happenings in my own life by answering probing questions has helped me to set goals and see where the Lord has taken me. So much of my own plans have gone the way of the wind but I am so thankful for my Lord who loves me enough to lift me beyond my plans and goals and not let me wallow in my sin for any longer than necessary to teach me what He wants me to learn.

I pray for myself that I would find some quiet place with my Bible and a notebook and honestly answer these questions. My prayer for you is that you also can grow closer to Him in the coming year.

“I have been asking myself some of these questions at the end of every year for almost twenty years now. It’s a wonderful way to take in with gratitude all that’s happened and to prepare your heart for the year that’s coming. (I wish I could say I came up with them on my own; however, I’ve gathered them over so many years the sources have blurred.)

Who were the most stimulating people in your life (and why)?

What was your most meaningful spiritual experience?

What were your most significant family moments?

What was the biggest contributor to your personal growth?

What was the biggest blunder you committed?

What caused your greatest sadness? What was your greatest joy?

How is my heart toward God?

What’s going well? What can you celebrate?

What are you trying to ignore?

What’s boring you? How do you want to be remembered? What’s the ending you want to write for your life?

Who do you love?

So, what’s next?

Enjoy some time alone with God over the next few days thinking through your responses, and pray.”