Happy Old Year!

I enjoy the close of the year and the beginning of another. The final day of the year is a great time to review the past 365 days. What events over the past year bring fond memories as you recall them?

Reviewing the year is a good practice to celebrate your accomplishments and successes. It is also a good practice to consider if the unmet goals merit another try in the new year.

Five steps to review the year:
1.       Go over your photo albums. They often contain trips you took, celebration gatherings and noteworthy events.
2.       Skim your journal or daily planner. Looking at the year’s entries month by month will remind you of successes and challenges encountered.
3.       Sit down with a family member, roommate or friend and talk about things they remember were a highlight over the year.
4.       On your computer or on a hard copy list those events, celebrations, travels, and anything that has resulted in a positive memory.
5.       Celebrate God’s goodness in the experiences you have had over the year. Light a candle, share a toast, have a special dessert or something that recognizes all the good that has happened in your life.

Sometimes the beginning point is a troubling uncertainty such as a lump, a job change, or a cancelled flight. The outcome was uncertain, but now you have seen how it worked out and are grateful for God lovingly guiding you through.

Lamentations 3:22-24
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is Your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for Him.”

Before you have a Happy New Year, celebrate the Happy Old Year!

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