Friend, can you believe we are HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR? For me, time has flown at an alarming rate and yet I seem to have stuffed a whole lot of living into a mere six months already. I’ve never consciously done this mid-year before—but I’m feeling the need to hit the reset button for real. There’s no rule to say we have to jolly well wait until December 31, so let’s do it. Let’s reflect, refresh, and reset right now!
“God, the one and only— I’ll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?
He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle: I’m set for life.” Psalm 62:5-6
“Breathing room for my soul”? Yes, please. Right now. That means stopping long enough to hit that reset button. Waiting on Him. We gain perspective when we remember God is constantly at work in us and through us. As we reset in Him, we are “set for life.”
REFLECT: It’s something we tend to do at the year’s end, but why not take time to reflect halfway through? For me, a six-month chunk is a little easier to recall and digest. Things to consider:
*What can I be thankful for so far this year?
*What took me by surprise? (Positive and negative.)
*What have been the highlights?
*What do I need to change for the next half of the year?
*How have I grown in my faith?
REFRESH: Take a deep breath. Summer is here and that screams renewal and refreshment to me… can I get an Amen? Sunshine on my shoulders, barefoot with book in hand—I’m exhaling just thinking about it. Even if we have responsibilities and work to juggle, let’s be sure to schedule some fun and frivolity into the mix. Summer’s not just for the kids, y’all. Whether you’re a writer, an accountant, or in major mommy mode—it all seems so much richer if we can somehow take a break, mix up the routine, or slow the pace. I’m taking July as my “no book writing” month—after launching 2 novels this year already and finishing the third by the end of June, I need headspace. And apparently, my husband needs his wife back… 🙂
RESET: The good news is, we are only halfway through the year. All the goals and dreams we set back in January still have time to come to fruition. And if they don’t, that’s fine, too. All the grace. Perhaps, like me, you need a moment to realign yourself and take stock.
*What do I still long to achieve in 2019?
*In which areas do I want to grow spiritually?
*What memories do I want to make before the end of the year?
*What’s my next step (even a small one)?
My “one word” for 2019 is “ABIDE”. I wrote about it right at the cusp of the year—you can read about it HERE. On reflection, I’m wondering how my abiding is going thus far… that remaining, dwelling, continuing in Christ. Yeah, I’ve definitely fallen short and need this reminder:
“Hour-by-hour abiding in Jesus means hour-by-hour trusting him to meet all your needs and be all our treasure.” John Piper
Truth is, I can reflect and refresh all I want—but if Jesus isn’t front and center, our treasure, then it’s all for naught. Keeping my eyes on Him throughout the year, abiding deeply in His love, digging for rubies in the richness of His Word, and trusting Him daily for wisdom—that’s the reset button I want to hit.
Not just mid-year, but every single day.
Are you ready to hit that button, friend? Let me know in the comments below… we’re in this together!
P.S. If reading is refreshment to you, check out my books HERE or sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive a FREE fiction file for some bookish inspiration HERE!
Linking up with some fabulous encouragers! Check them out:
Taking time to reset and reflect is a regular part of my routines. It helps me to adjust and refocus.
Mamie, you are a smart woman! 🤗 Yes, I can see that it’s something I should do on the regular (definitely not just on Jan 1!) Taking the time to stop and evaluate is valuable, for sure. Thanks so much for stopping by… blessings to you!
Laura, I absolutely love this!! Completely with you that the months have zoomed, love, love your points about checking in now and reflecting and – most importantly – resolving to make sure we are walking with God, through it all – and desiring above all to grow closer to Him. And, if we feel we are in any way guilty of not doing that or wasting the gifts and blessings he has given us, that he will always restore the years – or months! –that the locusts have eaten. Or something! That verse just really came to mind after reading this – just wonderful. Thank you for sharing and abiding through your words!! Xxxx
Thanks so much, Jen! Oh, I love your heart! 🤗 Totally agree with you— and yes, God is definitely in the business of restoration. Nothing is wasted. Sometimes, we just need to be generous givers of grace with ourselves and others… Blessings to you, sweet friend!
I love the idea of a mid-year reset. I just revisited my “19 for 2019” to make adjustments as needed (and they were, indeed, needed). Thanks for the encouragement!
Thanks so much, Elizabeth— glad to offer some encouragement! 🤗 And cheering you on as you make your mid-year adjustments (I have a hefty list!) Appreciate you stopping by… blessings to you!
Mmmmm, Mid-year assessment…….I like it!
Hey, Kim! Right? I like it, too. And you know I need it… 😬 See you soon, friend! Blessings to you!
I didn’t consider that we’re halfway through until I read your post! In part, this year’s been full so I’m glad to know that I’ve been pressing into all that God has. But going away for a day or two of reflection has always been a huge reset for me as well. Great questions.
Hi Lisa— the halfway mark snuck up on me, too! And love your idea of actually going away for intentional reflection. 🤗 Blessings to you as you take time to “reset” and head into the rest of the year!
Abide is my word too!
Yay! That’s so cool… I hope your year abiding in Him is going well, friend! Such a great word! 🤗 Blessings to you!
Love this, Laura! I think I definitely need to reflect, refresh, and reset. Thanks for the inspiration. Also, I’m looking forward to some summer reading and would like to start with The Lighthouse Baby, can I jump in at Book 2?
Hi Carlie— thanks so much! Glad it resonated with you. 🤗 And oh my goodness, YES, you can totally jump right in with The Lighthouse Baby! I have purposely written all 3 so they can stand alone (although you might decide to go back and read The Glass Bottom Boat afterwards!) I hope you enjoy it… happy reading and blessings to you!
Wow, Laura! I’m so glad I started my summer reading with The Lighthouse Baby! It was so good! I could hardly put it down! You’re definitely a gifted writer! Thanks for sharing your talent with the world! Clean, wholesome suspense! Yes!
Oh my, thank you SO much, Carlie! That means the world to me. If you get a chance to leave a quick review on Goodreads and/ or Amazon, I would be super grateful (reviews are pure gold for authors!) I just announced yesterday that The Orphan Beach will be released in February—I’m really excited to share Juliet’s story. If you’re not already subscribed to my monthly newsletter, feel free to do so and I can keep you posted! 🤗 https://mailchi.mp/8b04d5a4fa37/free-fiction-file Thanks, friend!