Summer is a busy time. Between VBS, vacation, summer camps, volunteer training, and preparing for the year ahead, there’s a lot to think about as a kidmin leader. But if you’re intentional, the summer can also be a great season to reflect on the past year and dream about the year ahead. It’s a time to note milestones and record celebrations from the year so you can reflect on God’s faithfulness now and next year when you look back on what you wrote.

I use this One-Line-A-Day Memory Journal as a gratitude journal, and each night before bed, I write down at least 3 things I was thankful for that day. I’m now in year 2 of this habit, and while going to bed each night focused on what I’m thankful for has been a great perspective-change, my favorite part is looking back at what I was thankful for last year and seeing how God has been working in my life since then.

So what would it look like to practice this habit of recording and reflecting in our ministries? It may not be an everyday thing, or even an every week thing, but what if, once a month (or at least once a year during the summer), we took time to record things we were thankful for in our ministries? We’d start collecting a memory book of God’s faithfulness. We’d start having a catalog of how God is working in and through our ministries. What if, every Sunday, before heading home, you take a moment and jot down some thoughts, gratitudes, or reflections from ministry that week?

Grab a one-line-a-day journal or our Sunday Celebrations Journal and start recording your current thoughts, feelings, prayers, and thankfulness about your ministry now. Don’t get overwhelmed with the thought of making it sound pretty or extravagant or even grammatically correct. (My thankfulness journal isn’t even full sentences, just bullet points.) Jot down what you’re thankful for, how you see God moving, and any prayer requests you have for your ministry. Keep this journal handy, and one month later, do it again. Keep adding to your journal month by month or year by year, watching as you see how God answers prayers, grows your heart, and draws you closer to Him.

My prayer for you this week, kidmin leader, is that you develop a habit of reflection in your ministry that showcases the magnificent things God does in and through you as you lead.

Want to help the kids in your ministry take time to reflect too? Here’s a free printable along with an all about me activity to help kids record their thoughts and favorites now + reflect on them in the future. It’s perfect for Promotion Sunday! Check it out here! 

    3 Comments

  1. […] the next goal, event, or task. So this year, I’ve tried to be more intentional about taking time to reflect and celebrate. Want to join […]

  2. […] me: It’s OK if productivity looks different in this season. Enjoying a time of rest will help you reflect, recharge, and refresh so you can be the best leader you can be now and in the months to […]

  3. […] way I’ve done that is by keeping a gratitude journal, which I talk more about here. I’ve also asked my husband and closest friends to gently remind me to choose joy when they […]

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