Reflecting on the Year by Lorilee Guenter

 

In the front of my calendar for 2022 I wrote the word intentional. Now that the year is drawing to a close, it is time to reflect on if and how the word has impacted my year. Looking back at my January blog post, I paired the word with trusting God as I walk into the unknown.

I can see many places where God's timing was evident when I look back over the year He gave me.  I could not have planned all the times where I read a meditation or Scripture passage that was perfect, not only for me but also for conversations that happened the same day. As I was writing this one of those conversations happened within an hour of my reading. By being intentional with my habits I saw over and over how faithful God is in His leading.

God is faithful. I am not. I let distractions pull me away from important tasks. Many times I wandered aimlessly through the day instead of making intentional choices. At the end of those days, I felt neither rested nor productive. I failed to follow through on the tasks in front of me. I know this resulted in missed opportunities both for rest and for connection. I missed the peace that comes when fully trusting God in those moments.

God is good. He continues to work in my life. When I wander, He is still there waiting for my return. He promises that when we seek Him, when we call on His Name, He will be found. He is waiting for me to notice I am trying to do things my way.  The more I spend time with Him, the more I recognize God guiding me back to what He has prepared for me: joy, peace, courage and so much more. Once I admit that He shows me the better way. He is intentional in His work in our lives.

As 2022 draws to a close, and 2023 invites us to consider what is to come, I know one thing will remain unchanged. When I seek God, I will find Him. He always is. He is waiting for His creation to recognize Him. He is waiting for His children to come to Him each day, to enjoy His company and to trust Him no matter what.