It’s the New Year! You’ve probably already examined how last year went, and maybe you’re still doing it now. If you haven’t, I encourage you to do so. Examining your life, even when it isn’t New Year time, is good for you. Looking back with some perspective helps you better see how and why certain things happened. You still might not understand all of it, but pieces will begin to fit together.
Now comes the planning part. You might have made some resolutions, or at least thought about some things you’d like to do this year to make yourself and things around you better. This is also good for you to do, regardless of the time of year. If you aim at nothing, you’re likely to hit it. Having a clear direction is essential, especially direction that comes from God.
Looking back in examination you might find that your original plans didn’t pan out the way you thought. That doesn’t always mean things didn’t go well, but it is something to take into account when making your continuing and/or new plans. Some deviations were good, some were not. Learn from both.
Going forward with planning you might come across some interruptions or redirections. Think about which ones you should and shouldn’t allow, and what you’ll do about them. Deciding beforehand makes the split second of the moment a lot easier.
Remember, whether examining or planning that you should more than just include God.
God lets us examine ourselves and wants us to do so. We should also be aware that He can examine us much better. Considering we are God’s children, He knows us better than we know ourselves. His examination might sting a little more, but it will ultimately make us much better than what we can do on our own.
God lets us make our own plans and wants us to make plans. We should also be aware that He has plans as well. Considering we are God’s children, there is no reason why our plans can’t work together. Often His plans will supersede ours, but that’s because God’s plans are actually better.