Here’s why you should reflect + set intentions for the New Year

Reflect and set intentions for the new year? I know, I know. 2020 has been a year, if you get my tone. Why would anyone want to reflect upon the dumpster-fire that was 2020?

But here’s the thing–I think the Lord has something for us in the remembering + reflecting of the past year. In reflection, we get to see Him, more than simply what happened or didn’t happen last year. When we see Him, we see the one who holds our future as well.

The word “remember” appears 130 times in the Old Testament. God was always telling His people to remember, because it was so easy for them (and us) to forget His faithfulness and the things that He has done. To forget Him.

I often find that it is helpful to look back before looking forward.

So I created this “New Years Reflections and Intention Setting” Printable. The reflection is divided into three parts: remembering the past year; reflecting and evaluating how you used your time and resources; and lastly, setting intentions for the New Year. It begins with a breath prayer, continues with questions (some adapted from Simply Real Health) and finishes with some goal guidelines from my friend, Alex Burlingame.

Last year, Matt and I did this on New Year’s Eve after Aiden went to bed. We put on some instrumental music, got something festive to drink and spent time individually reflecting and setting intentions. Afterwards, we shared our answers and thoughts with one another, laughing at memories, reminiscing and affirming each other. It was actually a lot of fun just to hear our responses and share hopes and dreams for the coming year.

I don’t know what 2021 will hold, but I’m grateful for moments like this to remember the One who does. Here’s to yielding our hopes to Him. Cheers!

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Download your free New Year’s Reflections and Intention Setting Printable below: