Welcome, 2016! But not so fast….

Welcome, 2016! But not so fast….what about 2015? 
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven~ 
. . . a time to plant, and a time to uproot . . . a time to tear down, and a time to build . . . a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them . . . a time to keep, and a time to throw away . . . a time to be silent, and a time to speak. from Ecclesiastes 3 
How eloquent are the words of the philosophical writer of Ecclesiastes! The close of each year brings opportunity for each of us--"a season to", "a time to" consider—yes, and examine. Socrates said, The unexamined life is not worth living. A strong statement, to be sure, but does he not drive home a very important point? 
Before you move into 2016, could you take a few minutes to consider 2015? Before thinking of where you would like to go this year, where have you been in 1-5? 
What were the highlights, the joys for you? ___________________________________________________________ 
Count your blessings, my friend~ ___________________________________________________________ 
Look around you even now--what are your blessings? ___________________________________________________________ 
How about the struggles, the trials of this last year--'those which caused great pain or loss? _________________________________________________ 
How did you grow in 2015, what new things did you learn? (might be related to the struggles you faced—after my September car accident, I have to add a couple lines here) ______________________________________________ 
Opportunities you missed, wish you had back? ____________________________________________________________ 

New relationships you have formed this year? ____________________________________________________________ 
Now, look back at the ‘season to’ verses--are there things you need to 'uproot', things you need to "throw away"? ____________________________________________________________ 
Are there things that you would like to build upon? ____________________________________________________________ 
There is so much value in considering where we've been, and what we have experienced, before forging into a new season. For so many years, I did not look back to take stock of highs, lows, things I might have changed, or at the great joys of the year, or thank God for how he sustained me through it all. So, I'm going to print this out for myself, and take a little time to reflect. I pray that you might do the same! 
O, do take time to examine your life, aspects of your year, before entering a new one. In doing so, there is much gain. 
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90.12 

Praying for you, friends around the world... 

Christine Todd DiGiacomo

PastorWoman.com