Reflections

                 A Reflection

A reflection from a flickering candle

Casts its silhouette upon the wall

As the Christmas carol fades

And the bell’s jingle grows still

Lifeless stockings now hang empty of anticipation

While garbage bags are bursting full

Only stale cookie crumbs left to decorate the plastic trays

Most earthly joys of Christmas now gone

What’s left is soon to be packed safely away……… Karen Spencer

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It seems to be a natural response to quickly round up the leftovers of Christmas and move on with break neck speed, diving into the New Year.   But this year let’s not do that, instead let’s pause and use it for a time of reflection …. Not racing, but strolling across the bridge connecting the past and future.      

 

As you know from my last week’s blog, I’ll be counting my blessings as they come along in the next year, but first I've decided I want to reflect on 2011. I’m going to take a day or two and write down the special moments, and blessings I received this last year.

 

 

I suspect it will be a wonderful exercise to replay and reflect on the moments of peace and joy I have received this year. It is such a reminder of God’s miracles; both large and small.  We Dare not forget to stop and give thanks to our Father in Heaven. 

 

 

Once I’ve written down the blessings, I’m also going to write down challenges that I faced (hopefully that list will be a lot shorter than my first).  I suspect this activity will also give me plenty of seeds for thought and reflection. 

This quote from Oprah leads me to my final step;“I am a woman in process. I'm just trying like everybody else. I try to take every conflict, every experience, and learn from it….”   So after pondering over the blessings and the challenges that came with last year, I’m going to write down the lessons I’ve learned in 2011.   I’m hoping you’ll do the same. I'd love it if you would share some of your wisdom gained through your experiences.

Small step: Take time for reflection by writing down my blessings, my challenges and my lessons learned from 2011.