Reflecting on our past behaviors and choices isn't just about understanding where we've been—it's about shaping where we're headed. The Examination Journal offers a structured way to make this reflection part of your daily routine, helping you create meaningful Resolutions that bring you closer to God’s will.
Take a simple daily activity like sleep. I've noticed a clear pattern in my own life: staying up late almost guarantees I’ll hit snooze too often the next morning. The cascade effect? Missing my morning prayer time and being less than my best with my kids. Recognizing this pattern through my daily reviews in the Examination Journal, I see a clear resolution: get to bed on time. This single adjustment sets the next day up for success, proving that sometimes, small changes can have big impacts.
Here’s another insight from years of using the Examination Journal: Fridays and Saturdays are my Achilles' heel for skipping prayers. Regardless of the excuses, the pattern is clear. This realization leads to two proactive steps: first, I can specifically target these days to strengthen my prayer habit, setting concrete goals to ensure I maintain my routine. Second, the day after a miss is crucial. It's easy to spiral into “I already missed a day, what's one more?” but that’s a trap. The key is to restart immediately—never underestimate the power of a fresh start.
The ebb and flow of using the Examination Journal bring both challenges and joys. Sometimes, during prayer, you're unexpectedly grateful for blessings previously unnoticed. Other times, you identify a recurring struggle that's all too familiar. In both scenarios, there's a common thread—there is always room for resolution and growth.
By translating insights from our daily reviews into actionable Resolutions, the Examination Journal doesn't just record our spiritual journey—it actively shapes it. It's about transforming reflection into everyday actions that deepen our relationship with God, enhancing our daily lives with purpose and intention.