This summer has been a busy one. It has been jam-packed with mission trips and trips out of the state. It is very easy to miss beautiful things in our lives when we don’t give thanks for them or point them out in major ways. God has truly blessed me with countless amazing opportunities, but I have found that I have easily forgotten about some of the amazing moments from even a couple of weeks ago. I attribute this to a lack of presence; not being present in the world, not being present in God. Daily refection could have prevented all of my lost moments.

God gives us opportunities to accomplish and participate in things which will help us to grow and grow closer to Him. He wants us to take away knowledge and hope from each experience. But, if we are unable to easily recall the situation we once encountered, how are we to have grown from that experience?

When you acknowledge experiences, you can ask God what He wants you to receive from it. Experiences shape how we react to certain things, or why we are able to see things from a different perspective. Reflection can be a crucial component in recalling experiences which were taken for granted, but it can also be detrimental if one becomes consumed by the past. Even if you are recalling positive occurrences, you can lose sight of the true goal.

In turn, you can miss present experiences, which are just as important. Try to acknowledge experiences you know you have missed reflecting on, then move on once when you are content.

In no way will you have a full understanding of why you have encountered something every time reflection occurs, but God does reveal knowledge when we seek it. An ideal situation is one in which you can reflect daily, coming into an understanding of how you should let it play out in your life.

“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…” Ephesians 5:15-5:16

“You make me known to the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 139:14

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – If anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

This summer has been full of amazing adventures. I have found that sometimes I forget some of the amazing things that have happened to me because of how fast-paced my life becomes. Though I do not want to live in my past, I must reflect for the times I was not truly present. Journaling will help to stay in touch with God and your daily experiences. When daily reflection fails, recall those experiences from the past which never took hold of you and ask God what He wanted you to take from the situation.