“Life goes faster than you think; don’t blink.” I remember growing up and hearing that as you grow older, time seems to go by faster. I’m now 31, and as I personally reflect over the year 2016, I can’t believe how fast it has gone by and how true that statement has become. 

The New Year is almost here! As we enter 2017, we have the opportunity for a brand-new start, a year full of new possibilities, new goals, new dreams, new lessons, and new memories. However, while the thoughts of new are incredibly exciting, the lessons of our past are what will help us continue to personally grow. So as we approach this New Year, I encourage you to reflect on a few personal questions—ones that will help launch you into 2017:

• What were the personal highlights for you over this past year (not ministry related)?
• What were the ministry highlights for you over this past year?
• What was a challenge you faced this past year that you had to overcome?
• Were there lessons you learned this past year? (Write them down so you can look back at them.)
• What person are you grateful has been in your life in 2016?
• In one word, describe 2016.
• Is there something you need to let go of in 2017?
• Describe a dream you have going into 2017.

Taking the time to reflect over the past and write down lessons learned and memories made is so important. We can sometimes be so focused on moving forward that we fail to realize what is happening in the now.

As you begin to celebrate the year 2017, remember this: “Stop and reflect on the year that has gone by—to remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken, the times we opened ourselves up to great adventures or closed ourselves down for fear of getting hurt. That’s what the New Year is all about—getting another chance, a chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more, and to stop worrying about what if and start embracing what will be.

 So when that ball drops at midnight on New Year’s Eve, let’s remember to be kind to each other all year long.