Through the years, January is the month I set aside to dream big, set goals, and map out a strategy for the coming year.
But if I have learned anything from riding the waves of loss and uncertainty in the past few years, it is that man can make his plans, but God orders our steps. Just because I set out on a journey for one destination does not guarantee there will be no detours, regardless of my determination.
So, when my friend reached out and asked if I’d like to spend a day, along with one other friend, reflecting on the past year before moving forward in the new year, I was excited and intrigued. How many times have I faced a new year, so eager to shake the dust off my feet from the previous year, giving little thought to all God had brought me through?
Her invitation sounded different. It was an opportunity to pause and reflect, to learn, and to let go of so that I could welcome the new year with wisdom and appreciation.
I was in!
At first, we gathered around the kitchen table, swapping stories and catching up on life. Then, with fresh cups of tea and coffee in hand, we made our way into the living room. Flames from the fireplace danced in rhythm with the smooth melodies playing in the background.
I expected our conversation to be rich. What I didn’t expect was the tender way God used eight simple steps to peel back the layers of 2025, revealing the evidence of His hand in my life in unexpected places, showing me nuggets of wisdom to take into 2026, and permitting me to release what no longer benefits my growth in Him.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to rush from one thing to the next, especially if we have just come through a painful season. But if we take the time to slow down, reflect on where we have come from, we will often gain clarity as to where it is we are going, and the preparation God has provided to take us there.
That is why, with my friend’s permission, I am including the eight reflections, along with corresponding scriptures, for you. This year-end examen was inspired by a sermon my friend heard at her church. But I found the exercise to be so helpful in prepping my heart to face this year, knowing that God truly is with me, in all circumstances, the big and small.
Perhaps you, too, need the reminder of what God has brought you through so that you can face this new year with hopeful anticipation.
My prayer for each of us is that we will face this year with hope in our hearts because our eyes are fixed firmly on the God who sees and is intimately involved in all our moments.
Year-End Examen – A reminder to stop, pause & reflect
Ref: Phil Boone sermon 12/28/25, Wabash Friends Church
1. Remember: Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
Name my wilderness this past year. How did it reveal what’s in my heart?
2. Do not forget: Prov 3:1-2
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
What teachings this past year brought me peace?
3. Consider, think deeply: Deut 32:7
Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past.
Ask your father, and he will tell you; your elders, and they will explain to you.
What wisdom was passed to me this year from previous generations?
4. Meditate: Luke 2:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
What words, messages, or characters of God have I been pondering this past year?
5. Examine and Test: 2 Cor 13:5
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
What is God calling me to examine this year? Where have I kept myself from Him?
6. Tell and teach: Ps 78:4
We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.
Where is God calling me to teach for Him or to carry His message?
7. Praise and Give Thanks: Ps 107:12
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
How did I thank God for His goodness this past year? If I haven’t, how can I best express it?
8. Commemorate and Observe: Josh 4:7
Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.
What did God do for me this year that I need to commemorate?
Does a moment stand out from the past year as a clear reminder of God’s faithfulness?
Did you experience His presence or protection during the past year, but possibly not recognize it at the time?