We are halfway through 2023!
Has the first half of the year flown by?
Has it felt like a long haul?
In any case, it is good to take some time to pause and reflect.
Reflection is a critical practice that fosters learning, stimulates growth, calls for course corrections, identifies priorities and renews focus and energy.
Amid the chaos, complexity and change all around us, it is also important to carve out quiet space to simply listen to God and reflect.
I encourage you to set aside thirty minutes or so to reflect on these five questions:
1. What are you thankful for? (Identify at least 10 things)
- Action Step: Write or say a prayer of thanksgiving.
“Lord, I want to thank you for…”
2. Who has blessed, served or encouraged you?
- Action Step: Express thanks/encouragement through a note, call, flowers, etc.
3. What’s been hard, disappointing or a struggle?
- Action Step: Share your grief with God by writing or saying a prayer.
“Lord, these are some of the things that have been hard so far this year…”
4. What needs to change for the second half of 2023?
- Action Step: Identify key priorities, important rhythms, supports and/or mindsets that will be difference-makers.
5. What or whom do you need to entrust to the Lord?
- Action Step: This prayer of response can be helpful—
“God, I can’t carry ________________. Instead, I choose to entrust ________________ to you and your good care.”
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
Know the Arrow team is here for you and cheering you on!
Dr. Steve A. Brown
President, Arrow Leadership
steveb@arrowleadership.org
P.S. On July 1, I transition to the new role of Arrow Ambassador. This exciting shift means focusing my time on speaking, teaching, writing and coaching leaders and Arrow alumni, serving Arrow partners as well as working on some personal projects. I look forward to contributing articles and posts in this space.
