Highlights & Hopes
2025 Highlights: Spend a few minutes by yourself listing what was special about the past year, for you personally, as well as for your relationship.
2026 Hopes: Likewise, now make a list of hopes you might have for the year ahead.
Share your lists with each other without judgment, correction or criticism.
What did you notice?
What did you learn?
What are you thankful for?
What hopes inspire you?
Our Experience
This holiday season I am motivated to be more intentional about reviewing the past year and planning for the year ahead. That is not always the case. If I am stuck in a doing frame of mind, determined to get everything done regarding the holidays, rather than a being frame of mind, I will go through the holidays in a shallow and superficial way. I will not be present to my life, or present to God or others.
What happened when I listed my highlights?
A deep sense of gratitude began to emerge.
I was able to appreciate more deeply Libby, my children and grandchildren, friends, including new ones. (For friends or mentors who had died, I was able to thank God again for them and renew my commitment to their spouses and families. It is a sweet grief.)
I gave myself credit for getting some things done, especially those on my Stuck List. (Desks and other furniture that have been stored in our garage for 25 years are gone. Thank you, Facebook Marketplace.)
It became safe to identify losses, concerns and challenges.
New hopes were inspired and old hopes were renewed, adjusted or discarded.
What happened when Libby and I shared our lists?
We learned some good things about each other. I had no idea that doing these Good Conversations was a highlight for her in respect to our relationship.
It was nice to see that many, if not most, of our highlights included each other. But it was also good to see that there were several that were about our own personal experience.
We were able to remind each other of highlights we had overlooked.
Our friendship was strengthened as we were made aware of ways to support each other.
An ongoing conversation was launched that can be sustained and revisited.
Reflection and conversation help us once again center our life and marriage in the loving care of God, the grace of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Gratitude and Trust are always good outcomes.
What do you want to remember from 2025?
What are some hopes you have for 2026?
