I must say that one of the greatest habits I’ve established recently is that of regular reflection upon my day. Just taking some time via the prayer of examen to go back through my day in gratitude and remembrance has been extremely rewarding.

Someone said that it isn’t your experiences that change you, but rather your reflection upon them. Experiences themselves do not necessarily make us better. There is an element of choice and decision to move forward in growth, or to merely survive.

 

John Locke said, “Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.” Reading just to read doesn’t do much for you, be it the Bible or Pride and Prejudice. But reflecting on what you’ve read, chewing on its meaning and implication, assimilating it into you to internalize and make it yours, now we’re talking.

The Oaks Academy teaches our kids, from a very young age, the habit of reflection for which I am so grateful. If only I had been taught to think about my experiences at a young age! Oh where I’d be today…I don’t even know what I’m saying right now. I need to reflect on it.

Don’t just go through your day getting by, doing things to just get them done, living some sort of monotonous pragmatism. Experience your experiences through real time reflection upon them.

Think about your thinking. Think about what you do. Look back through your day to see where God was in it at every moment.

In the Name of Jesus,
Soli Deo Gloria