PIVOT- taking a turn in the new year.

Last year went by in a blur. I usually make a point of pausing during the Christmas holidays to reflect on the year that is closing, and think about the year that is about to start.

In the past I have made resolutions, done discernment around a “word of the year,” made vision boards, and slotted habits into my daily calendar. . . and every one of those processes helped shape a year that was better because of the planning.

But, for many reasons, I didn’t get to it this year. I meant to, honestly, I did, but I woke up so tired each day of my vacation that it was an outright miracle that I got out for a walk each day. Heaven knows that I didn’t accomplish anything else (except watching an absurd amount of television).

Among all that doing nothing, I found out that the courses I wanted to take this semester were cancelled. And so I had to choose some new ones. Fortunately, I was so whomped that I decided to take courses that sounded restorative, Christian Spirituality and Self Care in Ministry, both of which seem to be based around deepening a personal relationship with Jesus, while simultaneously avoiding depletion (aka: BURNOUT).

So for the next 12 weeks (or so), I’m going to be focusing these posts on what my personal faith practice looks like. It’s a bit of a different take on Faith Practice Friday, but one that I hope you’ll follow along with. I can’t promise answers, or big revelations; but I’ll do my best to share the experience of what I’m going through, the impact of the readings I’m doing, and any nuggets of insight that I can pan-out and pass on.

Because, as much as I thought that I was doing a good job— being in the word, praying, spending time in silence— there is room for improvement. And I am not too proud to say that, right now, I need to refocus. Refocus on the pioneer and perfecter of faith, Jesus.

The practice I’ll be focusing on is Examen (I did a post on Examen Journalling a while back if you’re interested in a super practical variation) but, as always when it comes to spiritual growth— who knows what will come up through this process?

Well, God does… but he’s not telling, yet.

I hope you’ll come along for the journey.

Love ya,

p.s. do you have any faith-based goals for the year? Can I help with them? Let me know by email (meghanlamatthews@gmail.com) or on Instagram (@itsmeghanmatthews)