Appropriate Self Reflection During the Holiday Season

As I sat in my car a couple of days before the Thanksgiving Holiday, two songs filled my immediate space. Song #1 reminded me of God’s good plan for my life while Song #2 led to deep melancholy and grievous reflection. And as I ponder both songs and obvious mindset shift, I pose the following question: “How can we utilize appropriate self reflection during the holiday season?”

Good Cheer Anyone?

I understand that not everyone’s holiday season is constantly filled with visions of sugar plums, family gatherings, Christmas trees, and good cheer. Instagram and TikTok will be flooded with countless depictions of the perfect Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. However, some of you will have to reckon with end-of-the-year self reflection as events from months prior loom in your thoughts. But you aren’t alone. Brighton Butler (2022) expounds on this time of year as being a popular time to think more critically about one’s life.

Good Thoughts

As it relates to my car and music escapade, how did I go from one state of mind to another in minutes flat concerning my own self reflection? This is an easy explanation. The readiness to entertain another perspective above God’s absolute truth in my life and family became a brief reality.

No, I didn’t necessarily chart a smooth journey in 2023. And frankly, some of you didn’t either. However, our circumstances are not exempt from God’s hand, grace, and redirection. Therefore, we can meditate and indulge in GOOD thoughts even during challenging times.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. – Philippians 4:8

Of course, we do not have to shun the processing of grief or a painful past through methods of intervention (healthy community, counseling, soul care practices, etc.). But ultimately none of us are a lost cause for redemption. We have hope because there is something comforting about knowing that God has a good plan for you and I in the midst of any and all circumstances.

Appropriate Self Reflection During the Holiday Season – Going Deeper

Perhaps things didn’t go as planned in 2023 for you and your family. You may be disappointed or even heartbroken over unmet expectations. But could God be drawing you closer to Himself as you learn more about the One who desires to heal and restore you in His own way and timing?

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. – Psalm 34:18

Pause if you can. Find a quiet space. Consider your “irks and hurts.” Try penning a journal entry that acknowledges your discomforts while giving credence to who God is to you personally during these moments.

*Listen to Song #1 (the one that sparked this post) by Jesus Culture – CLICK HERE.