Moving forward by stepping back

I apologize for slacking on my blogging.  I feel like I haven't been holding up my end of the deal : ).  But I'm back and hopefully I'll settle into the blogging swing again!

Last week I didn't post a blog because I had the privilege of getting away for a few days to start my year with reading and prayer and reflection.  I've been blessed to be able to do this for the past few years - and I love it.  A dear friend lets me use her home down the shore and I treasure these few days away with Jesus in January!

One of the things I do each time I go is to take the time to read back through my journal for the previous year.  Why look back?  Why re-live the past?  Well, for me, it's a really helpful process.

First of all, looking back helps me gain clarity.  When I take the time to read through all that God has been working on in my life, it gives me the google satellite view : ).  I can see the big picture of my spiritual journey and it's a whole different perspective than the step-by-step view I'm usually focused on.

But along with the clarity comes something else - humility : /!!  As I read through week-after-week of my dealings with God, one of my thoughts is always this: "Wow, girl, you're sort of a mess!!"  And that, my friends, is the truth : ).  As Marty so aptly said on Sunday, "We're all a mixed bag."  It's good for me to be reminded of that now and then!

But even more valuable to me than the clarity or the humility is this: looking back always brings me to gratitude.  As I read through a year's worth of journey, it's so easy to see God's faithfulness and mercy in my life - so wonderful to get a peek at all the hundreds of answers to prayer, some that may have slipped by unnoticed at the time. 

So I'm moving forward into 2011 - grateful and humbled by His work in my life.  How about you?!