Having a winding down routine in the evening— one that helps you declutter your heart and mind from the events of the day, as well as prepare you for a good night’s sleep— is an outstanding practice to prioritize your personal growth and well-being.
For some that includes reading a book, taking a warm bath, connecting over conversation with your spouse, tidying up and prepping for the following day. We all have different ways of unwinding, but one non-negotiable to include in your evening routine is reflection. Being able to quickly debrief at the end of the day, helps you release worries or anxieties and gain clarity on meaningful moments throughout the day.
By taking a few minutes to reflect in the evening, you hold space to discern how the Lord is speaking to you, gain clarity on the burdens you need to lay down at His feet, and grow in your ability to be led by His Spirit.
Reflection is important, but it can also be challenging to know where to start, which is why I came up with 5 simple questions that serve as a reflective guide. If you find yourself strapped for time, this approach can be completed in as little as 5 minutes. Ask yourself these questions, and jot down your answers in a journal or in notes on your phone. (P.S. The Seek First Journal has a section for notetaking that can be utilized for your evening reflections. Learn more here.)
1. Did I have fun today? (The Joy Question)
Where did I experience joy today? What was fun? Pay attention to these moments, and note why they had such a positive impact on you. Life is not always rainbows and butterflies, but the Lord has joy for us to experience each and every day. These moments are worth celebrating and exploring. They can lead us to a greater awareness of our strengths, as well as what refreshes us.
2. What did I learn today? (The Wisdom Question)
What new knowledge did I gain? What skills did I get to sharpen and improve? What life, leadership, and faith lessons am I in the process of learning right now? It could be as small as a random fact that came across your feed or as big as a revelation from the Holy Spirit. Whether it was a truth from Scripture, insight from a book or video, or an experience that highlighted a life lesson, it’s important to your growth and maturity to extract these from your day for the purpose of future application.
3. Who did I help or serve today? (The Mission Question)
Who did I help today? Who did I share my faith with today? How did I make someone’s day a little easier or better? Just like Jesus came to serve humanity, we are called to serve others. Take a moment to measure the impact your actions are having on others, and how you were able to make a difference of some kind during the day.
4. What or who can I pray for? (The Power Question)
What am I worrying about that I can pray about? What’s on my mind that I can talk to the Lord about? Who can I be praying for right now? Often we hold on to anxieties because we fail to ask this simple question. By taking a few moments to pray, you are laying your worries down at Jesus’ feet, seeking the Lord’s will, and exercising your trust in Him.
5. What am I thanking God for? (The Gratitude Question)
How was the Holy Spirit present with me today? What blessings did I experience? What about today can I thank God for? Practicing gratitude deepens your worship of God, and reminds you of His character and provision. You can end the day with your faith strengthened, knowing God is with you and is for you.