End of Year Reflection

““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

As 2021 comes to a close, we invite you to take time to ask yourself: how is my connection to the life-giving vine of God’s presence and will for my life? The questions below are a tool to help you focus in on the practices and people who will keep you connected to Jesus through the often disorienting circumstances of life. We encourage you to find someone to share your responses with, and if you have any questions, please reach out to Associate Pastor Brendan Dry at brendan.dry@lifechurchauburnhills.org.

As you respond to each of the questions below, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the practices and people that will enable you to remain connected to God’s presence and will for your life. The goal of this exercise is to help you make more room for these things in your life and identify any habits or ways you spend your time that you may need to consider letting go of in order to focus on what brings you life.

Practices

1. What are the things you do that make you feel most alive?

2. Where and when do you feel closest to God?

3. What are the ways you care for your body and renew yourself?

4. What are the ways you most naturally show love to the people around you?

People

1. What are the relationships that most nurture me and that are essential to my well-being?

2. Who are the people you admire? What is it about their life you most want to emulate?

3. Who are the people who are able to graciously challenge you to grow in your faith and in other areas of life?

My Commitment for 2022

In 2022, I commit to the following 2-3 life-giving practices (also note how often you will do them):

In 2022, I commit to spending time with the following 2-3 people (or groups):

***This exercise was adapted from a handout provided to LCAH by Jennifer Andersson, who serves as a Spiritual Director for the Great Lakes Conference of the ECC. You can learn more about Jennifer and spiritual direction here.