Looking Back with Examen

December 29, 2022

My family and I have encountered so many fun surprises since moving to Minnesota this summer, but I think one of my favorites has been the prevalence of tattoos. Minnesotans are so much cooler than I expected (my apologies for misjudging you!). I like to think of myself as pretty non-legalistic; I used to enjoy shocking my New Testament Survey students by telling them that my daughter (who was only 13 at the time) is allowed to get a tattoo whenever she wants one (as someone who has aspirations to become a professional dancer she, of course, has no plans on getting any tattoos -maybe ever!).  

     One of the phrases I've considered turning into a tattoo for myself is be intentional. It's so easy for me to fall through life, allowing my circumstances to arbitrarily bounce me in whatever direction. If I'm not paying attention I can let so much noise into my daily routine that I lose sight of the lessons God may be trying to teach me or miss the opportunities He's given me to share the love of Jesus. Before I know it I become stagnant and ungrowing without a meaningful, life-altering connection to our Creator. 

     One of my favorite spiritual practices is the Prayer of Examen. For those unfamiliar, it's a simple 5-step bedtime prayer that invites God into your reflection on the day. I find gratitude (sometimes in spite of whatever happened that day!), review both the joyful and difficult moments of the day, ask God to show me how He was working in all of it, ask God's forgiveness where needed, and look ahead to tomorrow asking God to show me ways I can participate more effectively in His plan. I am grateful that His mercies are new every morning because the Prayer of Examen often causes me to look forward with anticipation to the next day and a new chance to serve Him. 

     Sunday is the first day of a new year. Often times January 1 finds us eager to put the prior year behind us along with all of its failures and disappointments, and we're ready to start over with renewed conviction. But instead of wiping the slate clean and resolving yourself to start fresh with rejuvenated goals, I encourage you to not be so quick to put 2022 out of your mind. Instead why not consider setting aside some time to review this last year, inviting God into the process just like in the Prayer of Examen. Celebrate the good changes you've made and the ways you've been obedient to God's leading. Give yourself grace, ask God's forgiveness, and make peace with yourself in the areas you've fallen short. Acknowledge your sins and allow them to teach you rather than to condemn you, and move on. Look for God's blessings, even in the hardest of times. Pay attention to the things you spent 2022 worrying about and invite God into that conversation. Ask God to reveal how He is molding and shaping you, ask Him to show you the opportunities He's giving you to love Him and others more. We don't always like to feel, but we never want to waste any of the time God's given us on this earth. There are lessons to be learned, and blessings to thank God for. 

     This might not lead you to tattoo the phrase be intentional on your bicep, but it will allow you to be intentional about aligning your heart with God's in order to grow specifically and meaningfully this year. Because, after all, the best New Year's resolutions are the ones God directs!