Friends, I want to reflect & celebrate together! This month marks two years of writing this blog. I remember it like it was yesterday as I taught myself how to start a website and make goals to launch my writing before a milestone birthday. Writing is just one thing that has opened the way to reflecting more to see growth – growth in myself as a person and growth in making space to see beauty in even the ordinary.

I can’t help but celebrate and embrace how meaningful it is for us to pause and reflect. I pause to think about the truth that Jesus brings when I choose to meet Him at the table on my most ordinary days. I celebrate as I reflect on how Jesus has brought new spaces in my life that bring joy and hope. I think about how God allows me to grow and use my imperfect and broken pieces.

I realize reflection typically happens at the start of a new year. I follow a few authors on social media, and I’ve learned from one of my favorites to make time to reflect each month. Why wait until the start of a new year when we can reflect now?

What is something new you discovered? What have you learned? What is a hope you carry from your last season? I’ve been trying to make time every month to reflect on what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown through my walk with Jesus and even through my mistakes.

I invite you to reflect with me today. Make space to reflect every month, every week, or even every day. Here are a few things I have been reflecting on:

Time goes fast, but I have a choice to make the most of it. I honestly can’t believe it’s been two years since the start of this blog, a place to find rest through His Word and a little time away from the noise of social media. I’m glad I’ve had time to share this space with you. It stretches me in my faith to share my heart here and brings a smile to share the simple joys.

Be intentional with how you fill your seasons. Make space for what matters most to you. Celebrate the good and learn from those things that have not been good.

When open to change, I find inspiration and encounter transformation. As a person of routine and structure, typically, I’m not too fond of change. But I’m starting to see how change paves the way right where I’m supposed to be. God does new things; we find freedom when we’re open to perceiving it.

Sing to the LORD a new song.

Isaiah 42:10

I’m always fixed on the verse before, Isaiah 42:9 (rightly so because it’s a beautiful verse), encouraging us to forget the former things and look at the new things God is springing forth. Isaiah 42:10 collided with my heart, though. We’ll sing a new song as we allow God to spring on the new, including the change that may feel a little foreign at first. A new song of joy. A new song of wonder. A new song of confidence. A new song of endurance even through the most challenging things.

No matter how serious life can be, remember to laugh. Laugh together. Laugh with your friends and laugh even when you make mistakes. Laughter is good for our souls. Laughter releases the tension we may not even realize was there.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:24

Make time to reflect this week. Look back to see how much you’ve grown as you trusted God through the valleys and up the mountains. Even when you feel strained, reflect on how Jesus was there to hold you up and help you to the other side.

Reflect and celebrate. I celebrate today for simply getting to share with you on this blog. Thanks for making space here.