Challenge 1: Moving Forward by Writing 2014 down

Table of Contents

“As I look towards the beginning of each season, I like think of 3 things:
Where I have come from, Where I am, and Where I’d like to be” 
– Coach Jim Valvano (1983 NCAA Basketball Champions)

As we look forward to the next day, week, year or decade it is first vitally important to consider where we’ve come from. No matter what 2014 looked like for you, this will likely uncover some moments of incredible joy, and perhaps even moments of incredible pain, but it is important to look at both as they both existed in the last 52 weeks. We’ve found that, in doing so, we are led to places of incredible thankfulness for the moments of joy, towards growing in inner reconciliation for the moments of pain, and towards a greater understanding for the innumerable moments that have existed everywhere in-between.


CHALLENGE 1: Take a few minutes (or even a few hours) to write down 6 gifts and 6 major negative moments of 2014. (if you can’t think of exactly 6 for either, it’s ok!)
You’re welcome to start with either list or jump around chronologically. As you’re working through each of the bullet points take a moment to remember each scenario, no need to jump to conclusions on what could happen in the future of each situation.

 

As you finish your lists, go back over the 6 gifts of 2014.
Were any of them a complete surprise?
Are there specific steps you took to make any of these a reality?
What have you learned from these moments? 
How are you different because of these moments?

 

One or more of these moments can serve as an Ebenezer– A pillar of hope for future situations that don’t look as positive. Always remember that hope can become reality any moment, and that there are steps (no matter how small) we can take to bring our dreams closer.

 

Now look at the 6 negative moments/events of 2014. You’re welcome to spend as much time as necessary on each one. If any of them bring out a lot of regret or shame, try to simply hold the event out in front of you as best as possible.
Are there things to learn from these moments?
What could happen in 2015 to begin a redemptive process (no matter how crazy or far-fetched the idea)?
Is there a visible first-step you can take towards the redemptive process? If so, what is it?

 

Don’t feel the pressure to jump on a high-speed train towards moving-on from the negative moments; it can take time. But know that it is not only possible, but it is likely in your power to begin the process.

 

Keep this list as long as necessary, and maybe keep it on a nightstand or desk for the last few days of 2014 to come back to, add to the list or make notes on how 2015 could be the best year’s beginning yet!

Who Is Epic?

We long to make a difference in the world by providing innovative solutions that Love, Serve and Build.

We’re passionate about serving our partners quickly & efficiently with high-end graphic design, web development, SEO and social media.

Our team wears lots of hats as we tackle our partner’s projects and work seamlessly, passing tasks back and forth to ensure an excellent product and to be sure things keep moving quickly. We’d love to help serve you too!

Humanitarian Projects – the New Wave of Faith-Based Ministry

The Changing Landscape of Faith-Based Ministry For centuries, churches and faith-based organizations have played a foundational role in communities, serving not only as spiritual centers but also as hubs for social support and moral guidance. Historically, traditional church roles focused on preaching, teaching, pastoral...

Read More

Processing Grief: A Journey of Transformation

Grief has a way of silencing the world, doesn’t it? This week when my grandmother passed, I found myself at that moment when loss crashes through our doors – it demands every ounce of attention, as if time itself gets consumed by the weight...

Read More