Evaluation Time!

To me, September always feels more like the beginning of the year than January. I think it's a combination of that back-to-school feeling (yes I still get it even though I'm finished school!) and the weather - something about the cooler air and the smell of leaves and woodsmoke invigorates me and gives me new energy after a hot summer.

As the summer closes, I've been feeling this tug to get my life in order - to spend some time seeking God's heart, to discern what His will is for me in this next season, to evaluate how I've been spending my time and what things need to be arranged or even eliminated on my list of priorities. In short, to gain clarity.

Different questions have been coming to mind over the last few weeks -

"Am I honoring You in the way I'm living my life, God? Am I listening to Your voice? Are there things You want changed? Am I moving in the right direction?"

These questions touch on smaller issues (entertainment choices comes to mind) and bigger ones like my work, finances, spiritual life, and other commitments. Of course, we need to be seeking God's counsel and making decisions about these types of things even on a day to day basis, but I really feel it's important and beneficial to set aside larger chunks of time once in a while just to worship God, evaluate our lives, and seek discernment in the areas He reveals.

Today has been that time for me - I've had the house to myself and have just been spending unhurried time seeking God through worship, prayer, and reading His Word. It's been good! If anyone is interested in reading about it, maybe I could do a post or two on what this time has looked like for me...