An Invitation to Reflect

Where have you noticed Jesus at work lately?

Ann Voskamp said, “Whatever way you gaze – grows greater. Pay attention to Love – and you are loaned more Love. Pay attention to the good and the beautiful – and you buy your soul more good and beautiful. Attend to God – because this is the best way to tend to your own soul.”

So often I can get caught up in my to-do list, rushing from one thing to another. Here’s an example.

Trips to the local market were part of daily life in the village, and I had my routine down like a well-oiled machine.

Exit the front door with my teammate and avoid eye contact with eager moto taxi drivers hanging out across the street until the gate is locked.

Signal our usual driver and hop on the back of his moto for the quick drive over dirt roads to the market.

Add veggies to the waiting pan, and smile at the comments that we like to buy the “foreign vegetables.” Eggs. A fresh loaf of French bread. Maybe splurge on fruit, decide if we want to figure out how to use a whole chicken.

Done.

My to-do list dictated the morning steps, pulling my eyes away from the stories and everyday lives of the people around me. The tasks needed to be completed, food needed to be purchased for whatever meals we would attempt to make for the day.

But in my hurry, I missed opportunities to see Jesus.

In the midst of everything that each day, week, and month holds, I need a reminder to pause and reflect. Do you need a reminder, also, to slow down and turn your gaze outward and upward so you can listen, linger, love?

Here’s your invitation as we sit in this month focused on reflection. Grab your journal (or any blank piece of paper) and your favorite pen. Brew a cup of tea, or order something you love from your favorite roadside stand.

It helps me to clear my head if I sit for a minute, and take a deep breath. Choose a time period you would like to reflect on. Perhaps you take it one week at a time. Or, you might decide to think back over the last month or the last season.

Begin by looking back. What happened? Like super practical, bullet-point-list style. What took place?

Next, make a list of what you are grateful for. Sometimes when I’m rushing around, I miss the gifts, and pausing with pen and paper can bring a smile to my face as I notice them.

What invitations did you sense from God? Were there doors you walked through that you didn’t acknowledge were open at the time? Did you say a firm yes or a gentle no to something? Were there interactions or conversations that were especially meaningful?

If you get really honest, what you are hoping for in the coming week, month, or season? What are you talking to God about right now? You can write out those prayers as you process.

Perhaps, as you reflect, you’ll start to see patterns. Which way are you gazing? What has your focus?

There’s no judgment, and I hope you sense the invitation to be curious. I hope you can look back with fresh eyes to see how God met you, worked in ways you wouldn’t have imagined, and delighted in you in the sweetest of ways.

Do you have a regular rhythm for reflection? Are there certain questions that help you with that practice? Share them in the comments!