Welcome to the new calendar year!

This edition of Monday Meditations is going to be a bit different than normal.  Rather than promote some unique thought or idea that leads to a spiritual insight to ponder, today’s version will simply ask 15 questions that are intended to  promote reflection from the previous year, and also to spur thoughts and plans for the year ahead.

My hope is that you would take some time to slowly work through the questions and answer them as honestly as possible. Then, perhaps make time to go over your thoughts together with your Corpath Forum group at your next meeting.  

Providing written answers to these questions will also create an “end of year record” for you to keep and review in the future. 

Let’s get started.

BUSINESS: 

Q1: Thinking about the past year, what was the most significant event for your business? 

Q2: What was your biggest surprise or hurdle that you had to overcome in the past year? 

Q3: Who stepped up to be your biggest support and help during the past year?  

Q4: What did you learn from the past year (good or bad) that will help chart the course for the year ahead?

Q5: What are you most excited about for your business in the year ahead?

LIFE:
Q6: What event(s) in the past year has brought you the most personal joy and happiness?

Q7: Did you take time for self-care in the past year?  

Q8: What contributions (no strings attached) did you make to the people closest to you in the past year? 

Q9: Assuming you are a person who is growth-oriented, what are your plans for further personal development in the year ahead? 

Q10: What words would you use to describe your approach to the next year? (hopeful, positive, excited, cautious, concerned, etc)
 

SPIRIT: 

Q11: In the past year, would you say your relationship with God has grown closer? Why or why not?

Q12: In the past year, what was the single most important message God gave you? 

Q13: Who was your biggest spiritual influence over the past year, and why? 

Q14: What commitments are you prepared to make to help your spiritual growth continue in the next year? 

Q15: as you start the new year, who are the three people that are currently on the top of your prayer list?  What are you petitioning God to do for them?

CONCLUSION

God has given us the ability and freedom to reflect and learn from our past, and also to boldly make plans for our future.  In fact, He encourages us to do those very things. 

However, it is important to remember that our experiences and desires do not supersede His plans for us. 

Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” 

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” 

As we look to the past, for education, we take what we have learned into the future, and decide to step carefully, knowing God’s Holy Spirit is with us always!

My Prayer:

God, I want to pause for a moment and thank you for the past year. There were highlights and low-lights. There were successes and struggles. Yet, through all of them, you were there with me.  You have always been there with me. I know you are already preparing the way for me in the year ahead. Walk with me. Talk with me.  Be my confidant and counsel. I think you for my Corpath brothers and sisters, who also support me along the way. I pray for them to have a blessed year ahead.  Amen.

Blessings as Always!

Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca

"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"

Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone.  Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.

Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection.  I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought.  You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.