May Reflections

The practice of reflection is just that - a practice. Like any habit, the more you engage in reflection, the more natural and insightful it becomes. One author I have found helpful in teaching me more about reflecting is Emily P. Freeman. In her May newsletter, she emailed three questions for reflection. I found them helpful and maybe you will too.

Here they are, along with my answers:

1. What is one thing you made in May?

As an aspiring baker, gardener, and artist, it was difficult to choose just one thing I made in May. What is more challenging for me is making decisions, especially when they have multiple variables and various outcomes.

In the middle of the month my foster daughter was unexpected reunited with her family (yay!). It was right before we had planned to go on a weekend trip to the coast. With her gone, it would just be me driving down and staying in a hotel room. While I'd be meeting up with my brother's family for meals and activities, it seemed like a long drive for a short weekend. I went back and forth about whether to go. Most of my friends told me that I deserved to get away and take a break. I thought of my bank account - I don't have much money coming in. Could I really afford a weekend away? Plus, one of my dogs was having surgery that Thursday and would need to have special care. I had nearly decided not to go, but then I called my Enneagram 8 friend - he always has an opinion and is very decisive. He told me that I should go and trust that everything would work out. He was right. My dog sitter felt confident she could care for my recovering dog and the hotel I booked was very inexpensive.

I decided to get away for the weekend. The drive down was good, and I arrived in time for dinner with my brother's family. We explored a bit of downtown Savannah. The beach at Tybee Island was crowded, but I still managed to relax and let the sun and ocean air soothe my tired body and mind. I'm glad I chose to go. 

2. What was your simplest joy in May? (The key to this one is not to overthink it but to mark a moment of beauty you experienced this month.)

One Friday, I attended a speakers' conference all day and needed to get home to let my dogs out and feed them dinner. Some friends were meeting up for pizza later that evening, so my time was limited, but there was something special I wanted to do.

My niece was getting ready for her 8th-grade dance and had invited me to go with her to get her nails done, but I was at the conference. When I talked to her about getting ready, I mentioned that I had thought about coming over. She immediately said, "You can come over if you want." I checked the timing and realized I had just enough time to visit her for a quick 30 minutes before we both had to leave to meet friends.

Standing in her dining room, taking photos as my niece posed, was fun. She brings me so much joy. She is quirky and silly, and I am incredibly proud of the beautiful young woman she is becoming.

3. Sometimes the scary “what-ifs” can keep us stuck in fear and indecision. But what is a better what-if question you can ask yourself as you head into June?

I am thrilled about the Student Minister job opening at a local church, a role I would be honored to take on. A few weeks ago, I spoke with two members of the search team, and I have a meeting scheduled with the entire team later this month. It seems as though I am on their short list of candidates. I feel both nervous and excited.

As June begins, I am asking myself, "What if I get this job?" What if God is calling me to serve these teenagers and their families? What if I find connection and community with this congregation?

These what-if questions inspire me to keep moving forward. I believe that God has a purpose for this season of my life.

I would love for you to share your answers to any or all of these reflection question. I also encourage you to subscribe to Emily P. Freeman's email newsletter to receive inspiration for looking back as you plan for your future.