Pathways of Wisdom Part 1: Tracing the Trail

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This is part 1 of a 2-part series, where we take time to reflect on the year that has been rather than rushing into next year's planning.

We are asking, what did this year actually teach me? Not just what did I experience—but what did I learn?

The Biblical foundation is from Proverbs on pursuing wisdom intentionally:

Proverbs 4:7 “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

Wisdom isn’t accidental; it’s something we choose to pursue, especially when we slow down to reflect.

Proverbs 4:26 – "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways."

Taking inventory of where we’ve walked, what we’ve learned, and what we need to leave behind.

Proverbs 20:5 “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”

Reflection is the work of drawing out what God has been shaping in us—our motives, growth, and blind spots.

Reflection Process Setup

You will need a notebook, a pen, and some dedicated time.

Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in this process.

Start by creating a timeline for the 2025 year

• Use your calendar to review meetings/events

• Draw a timeline from January to December

• Above line: note down highlights, successes, breakthrough moments, God speaking 

• Below line: valley moments, pain, struggles, failures (low moments)

The Timeline helps bring full-year experience to mind.

Nine Reflection Questions

1. How faithfully did I follow Jesus this year?

   • Moments of obedience despite difficulty/cost

   • Areas of drift into comfort, routine, legalism, self-direction

     
     

2.  What drained me, and what gave me life?

   • What/who drained you vs gave you life

   • Helps discern what to release vs protect/prioritize

     
     

3. What did God teach me about Himself, myself, and His ways this year

   • What did God teach about Himself, yourself, His ways

   • Which biblical truths became foundational (not just known)

     
     

4. Character formation: How did I become more or less like Jesus this year?

   • Who did you become this year (not achievements)

   • More/less loving, patient, generous, dependent on God, anxious

     
     

5. Growth patterns: Where did I grow—and where did I resist growth?

   • Areas of growth vs resistance to growth

   • Reveals obedience vs pride/fatigue patterns

     
     

6. Healing needs: What needs healing, repentance, or releasing?

   • What needs healing, repentance, or releasing

   • Wounds, unforgiveness, negative patterns, habits requiring freedom

     
     

7. Kingdom impact: Who or what did God use me to impact or influence this year?

   • Who moved closer to Jesus because of your life?

   • How did you make the world better; live out kingdom purpose?

     
     

8. Influences on you: Who or what influenced or impacted me the most this year?

   • Name 2-3 people who impacted you most toward Jesus

   • Friends, mentors, and encouragers to be grateful for

     
     

9. Carry forward vs lay down

   • Reflecting on your answers, what might God want you to take into 2026?

   • What does He want you to leave behind in 2025?

     
     

Next Steps

• Part 2 coming next week: looking ahead to 2026 - Planning the Path

• Goal: Spirit-led wisdom for growth in Christ-likeness, identity, freedom, purpose, and to shift eternity and make kingdom difference.