In my classroom on Fridays, we start class by sharing a “Fri-yay”. Each person shares a celebration of something good that happened during the week or something they’re looking forward to the coming weekend. Then, we clap to celebrate each person! By the time class begins, most are smiling. This tradition started years ago, almost by accident, and is something students have shared they look forward to each week.
I know it’s only Monday, but what is your recent Fri-yay? With your celebration in mind, reflect on the following: How did it make you feel? In what ways did it build you up, or bring you joy? In what ways did you honor God within your celebration?
It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments, big and small, and to reflect on how they glorify and honor God. Philippians 2:13 (ESV) says “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure”. What are some ways God is working in you for his good pleasure? More importantly, how are you honoring God’s good work within these accomplishments?
It can seem as though good times are balanced by unexpected, challenging times. Sometimes, we are going about our lives, feeling as though things are going smoothly, and then, something unexpected happens. In Chapter 6, I review the importance of trusting God, even when it seems difficult or when we feel our prayers are not answered in the way we anticipate. Later, in Chapter 12, I quote Denzel Washington’s character, John Hobbes, from the movie Fallen “There are moments which mark your life. Moments when you realize nothing will ever be the same and time is divided into two parts – before this and after this”. In these moments, when they are the challenging ones, it’s essential to lean on God for comfort and strength. When they are joyous moments, we can share the joy with God.
Three years ago, today, was one of those defining moments in my life. All in one moment I felt the world come to an abrupt halt and I knew life wouldn’t be the same. Although I had this realization, I was unprepared for the aftershocks that would continue long after that day. I am sure you, too, can think of those moments in your life and I am sorry for any pain, grief, anger, sadness, or other uncomfortable feelings that moment brought.
I want this post to focus on growth, and strength, and navigating through those aftershocks.
Before, during, and after difficult times, we can lean on God while we are refocusing, growing, and rebuilding. Nahum 1:7 (ESV) reminds us “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him”.
I encourage you to take time to reflect on one of your challenging, yet, defining moments. Reflect on how you’ve grown since then. On the days you are feeling the aftershocks, consider doing any of the following:
- Pray
- Recall something that recently brought you joy (it doesn’t have to be anything significant, it can be as simple as your coffee tasted delicious this morning or you made it to work with a few minutes to spare, rather than right on time like usual).
- Identify one area in which you have grown since that defining moment
- Call or text someone you haven’t talked to in awhile (but have great memories with)
- Listen to your favorite song
- Spend time in nature – go for a walk, sit outside and read a book
- Dance (I’m not kidding – I did Zumba the other day for the first time in years and could not stop laughing at myself)
- Go to the library and find a new book to read
- Make a gratitude list
- Start a new hobby (you know, the one you’ve been wanting to try, but have been putting off)
- Write a note to your past self, to the person you were in that defining moment, and tell them how much you’ve grown since then
- Watch a movie or TV show that makes you laugh
- Look through old photos of your favorite memories
- Treat yourself to your favorite snack
- Go for a long drive
I hope you are able to look back on your defining moments and recognize the strength and courage God has given you through it all. As always, I would like to close in prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for the person reading this. I pray you guide them to recognize moments of joy in their life. I pray you give them strength to navigate the aftershocks that come when our life takes a turn we did not expect. I pray you provide comfort and strength in anything they have on their heart today. I pray they find peace, and joy, in something each day. In Jesus name, Amen.
Scriptures marked (NIV) taken from the Holy Bible, New International
Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used
by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.
com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered
in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
Fallen. Directed by Gregory Hoblit, Turner Pictures/Atlas Entertainment, 16, Jan. 1988.
