This really resonated with me. I have a Story Planner I created to review the stories of the previous year and envision what the Lord may do in the coming year. But I think I still struggle to "stay to the end."
It's a tool I send to my email subscribers every year. Here's a quick overview in case you want to make your own: It's based in the idea that we live in a larger story, God's story. So we begin with the basic four parts of that story, creation, fall, redemption, restoration. That grid just forms a foundation for our reflection. Then we use two key questions from Scripture: "Where have you been?" And look back at our top three stories of the previous year. Then we do the same for the following year with the question, "Where are you going?" With that we list our hopes for the following year. There's an opportunity to "Write your story" of the following year, which obviously requires imagination and vision (and for me, prayer). Having done that, we then get more practical about what actions and steps we took for that vision to be reached. (The PDF makes all of this look a little prettier, but you could easily do it in a journal or with a large art pad). If you want the prettier version, you can sign up and get it tomorrow: http://eepurl.com/b__teX
Our pastor preached on Colossians 2:20-3:1 last Sunday. He asked are we going to live our lives “in chaos” or “in Christ “. Tomorrow is my husband’s first official day of retirement. When Kyle, our pastor, gave the children’s sermon he talked about Dr. Seuss’s book, ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go “. He talked about when we choose our own way to go it usually ends in chaos. When we are in Christ you can change the title to “Oh, the Places God Will Take You”. We are so excited about this next phase of our lives.
This is where I am…for the first time, I don’t have anything written out. No “word” or “theme” for the new year. Trying to figure it all out—or get it all out on paper before the clock strikes midnight. *exhales* Thanks for this.
One thing that stuck out to me was you started the habit of waking up early 6 years ago. In most cases, early risers have been that way their whole life. It’s something I desire to do but somehow I always wake up just in time to run around my place and rush out into my car and off to work. If you don’t mind me asking, how intentional did you have to be for this to be year 6(or 7 I know you paired past and present in this piece)?
I’ve always been an early riser, I started in 2017 getting up at 4am because at the time I was a husband, new father, pastor, and extrovert—which is a dangerous 4-way intersection. My life was crowded with being with and caring for other people. I exhausted myself and felt like I needed sometime where no one needed me and I wasn’t tempted to engage with anyone else. I quickly realized that NO ONE (not a single body) wants to be up at a time when it is “morning with a view of the moon”.
Initially it was easy. But to keep it going I’ve had to be pretty diligent about my bedtime. I’m usually in the bed by 9:30-10 and that’s really it other than something I tell myself when I just feel unmotivated. I tell myself that when I wake up, I can choose to stay in the bed only after I put both feet on the ground and stand up. You’ll be surprised how much the decision on whether to stay in the bed or not becomes easier when you commit to making the decision standing up as opposed to laying down.
“I can choose to stay in the bed only after I put both feet on the ground and stand up…the decision on whether to stay in the bed or not becomes easier when you commit to making the decision standing up as opposed to laying down.” Wow. That is profound to me. Like an “aha” moment. Something I’m looking forward to practicing. Thank you for responding and sharing.
This really resonated with me. I have a Story Planner I created to review the stories of the previous year and envision what the Lord may do in the coming year. But I think I still struggle to "stay to the end."
Story planner?? Tell me more
It's a tool I send to my email subscribers every year. Here's a quick overview in case you want to make your own: It's based in the idea that we live in a larger story, God's story. So we begin with the basic four parts of that story, creation, fall, redemption, restoration. That grid just forms a foundation for our reflection. Then we use two key questions from Scripture: "Where have you been?" And look back at our top three stories of the previous year. Then we do the same for the following year with the question, "Where are you going?" With that we list our hopes for the following year. There's an opportunity to "Write your story" of the following year, which obviously requires imagination and vision (and for me, prayer). Having done that, we then get more practical about what actions and steps we took for that vision to be reached. (The PDF makes all of this look a little prettier, but you could easily do it in a journal or with a large art pad). If you want the prettier version, you can sign up and get it tomorrow: http://eepurl.com/b__teX
Pausing and being in the moment is soo challenging to do esp in Western culture. As a go-getter myself, thanks for the reminder to appreciate the now.
You're right. Rest and reflection is an act of resistance in our culture. Keep resisting.
I am one who stays past the credits to see any bloopers or sneak peeks. I love being rewarded for taking my time. 😉
ohhhh such a good metaphor with heb movie credits. this will stick with me!
Our pastor preached on Colossians 2:20-3:1 last Sunday. He asked are we going to live our lives “in chaos” or “in Christ “. Tomorrow is my husband’s first official day of retirement. When Kyle, our pastor, gave the children’s sermon he talked about Dr. Seuss’s book, ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go “. He talked about when we choose our own way to go it usually ends in chaos. When we are in Christ you can change the title to “Oh, the Places God Will Take You”. We are so excited about this next phase of our lives.
This is where I am…for the first time, I don’t have anything written out. No “word” or “theme” for the new year. Trying to figure it all out—or get it all out on paper before the clock strikes midnight. *exhales* Thanks for this.
One thing that stuck out to me was you started the habit of waking up early 6 years ago. In most cases, early risers have been that way their whole life. It’s something I desire to do but somehow I always wake up just in time to run around my place and rush out into my car and off to work. If you don’t mind me asking, how intentional did you have to be for this to be year 6(or 7 I know you paired past and present in this piece)?
I’ve always been an early riser, I started in 2017 getting up at 4am because at the time I was a husband, new father, pastor, and extrovert—which is a dangerous 4-way intersection. My life was crowded with being with and caring for other people. I exhausted myself and felt like I needed sometime where no one needed me and I wasn’t tempted to engage with anyone else. I quickly realized that NO ONE (not a single body) wants to be up at a time when it is “morning with a view of the moon”.
Initially it was easy. But to keep it going I’ve had to be pretty diligent about my bedtime. I’m usually in the bed by 9:30-10 and that’s really it other than something I tell myself when I just feel unmotivated. I tell myself that when I wake up, I can choose to stay in the bed only after I put both feet on the ground and stand up. You’ll be surprised how much the decision on whether to stay in the bed or not becomes easier when you commit to making the decision standing up as opposed to laying down.
“I can choose to stay in the bed only after I put both feet on the ground and stand up…the decision on whether to stay in the bed or not becomes easier when you commit to making the decision standing up as opposed to laying down.” Wow. That is profound to me. Like an “aha” moment. Something I’m looking forward to practicing. Thank you for responding and sharing.