Doug Phillips has a really good exhortation for families concerning reflecting on the past year. Here is his introduction:
“Life moves fast. If we don’t take the time to chronicle the providences of God, we forget them. If we don’t take the time to say thank you to those who have invested in our lives, we actually cultivate a spirit of ingratitude in our own hearts. If we don’t stop and make sure that we have a spirit of forgiveness toward others, we grow bitter, we lose the capacity to move victoriously into the future, and our prayers are hindered.
Here is a little practice that I was taught and would like to share with you. Each year, during the last week of December, I would encourage you to do the following things.”
He lists and discusses three things:
1. Outline and Chronicle the Many Providences of God
2. Say “Thank You” to Those Who Have Invested in Your Life
3. Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You
Good, challenging, realistic ideas. Read the whole thing.