On new years eve I like to use spend time reviewing the previous year. I found a list of questions that I really like to use. I modified the list and here is what I now use for my year-end review. Solitude and time alone with God press meaning into my busy life and help me live more intentionally.
Socrates has said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to consider our mortality, so we might live wisely." (NET) Wise living and a life worth living require regular review and time alone with God and His Word.
2009 was a very busy year with lots of changes. Several things that were hi-lights for me:
- I became a Lunch Buddy at Polk School and began meeting with DeShawn.
- We awarded the first Pagel Family Scholarship.
- Our first Family Vacation in Colorado with our adult kids and spouses!
- Sharon and I had many important, honest conversations and our relationship is growing and thriving!
It's your turn now. Feel free to change the questions and make your own list!
- If the last year were a movie of your life, what would the genre be?
- What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring?
- What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of? These can be in any area of your life—spiritual, relational, vocational physical, etc. Be as specific as possible.
- What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t?
- What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year? As leaders, we naturally have high expectations of ourselves and others. Where did you let yourself down? Where did you let others down?
- What was missing from last year as you look back? Again, look at each major area of your life. Don’t focus now on having to do anything about it. For now, just list each item. Here is my list:
- What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year? Boil this down to a few short, pithy statements.
- What issues or opportunities will you face this coming year? What do you want to trust God for?
