Self-reflection is something we often do as a way to gauge where we are in our lives and make sure we are not going off track. I often use to say that if anyone points out anything about me, I would probably already know about it because I love being honest about the things I do. But I’m coming to terms with the fact that this isn’t always true. Sometimes, I actually don’t know the things that may come off as weird or hurtful to others.
I think a lot of times we reflect and we don’t like what we see. I know this has been the case with me lately. As someone who prides myself in being careful and discerning, I’ve been disappointed severally to discover that I don’t always get it right. I remember having a conversation with someone in the presence of a co-worker and doing it as a way to show empathy/make the person feel comfortable. When we were left alone, my co-worker shared that the question I had asked the other person was quite personal and uncomfortable. I was really taken aback because I genuinely never saw it that way. This event got me thinking, what are the other ways I may have gotten it wrong?
What I’m saying in essence is that self-reflection is important and being intentional about how we live our lives is great but despite all this, we can still get some things wrong. This doesn’t mean we should walk around feeling hopeless, rather, it should push us to show grace to ourselves and to other people when they get it wrong with us. Some people intentionally do hurtful things while some others do hurtful things because they didn’t know any better.
I’m self-reflecting hard in these last couple of days before the year ends which I guess is a no-brainer for a lot of us. A lot of the things I am discovering is making me cringe and at the same time, turning to God and just crying out to Him. I remember when my walk with the Lord really took off, one of the greatest markers were things that I had struggled to stop doing before suddenly became easy to let go of. That is why I know truly that the Kingdom of God is in power. Knowing this, I fall on my knees and ask God to do it again. I know there are intentional steps of personal development I must take but I also realise that my power can only take me so far.
How do I begin to unravel the fabric of long-rooted conditioning? How do I break free from unprofitable and restrictive patterns? How do I change my mindset? While I will keep working, like Paul, I choose to “boast in my weakness, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Another thing in addition to working towards personal development is to be careful to avoid the trap of perfection because there is no such thing. Trying to attain something unattainable only leads to massive frustration that need not be.
With only 62 days till the year wraps up, how are you?
“… Behold I have a friend
The Spirit breathing holy fire within
My ever present help
Speaking truth when I can’t find it
… Light up this broken heart
And light my way
Until my time on earth is done
Oh, Holy Spirit
Breathe in me like Kingdom come
… Oh, Holy Spirit
Let Your work in me be done“
Behold (Then Sings My Soul) by Hillsong Worship and Joel Houston
Photo Credit: Jamie Hagan on Unsplash