Starting each day well is certainly important. We must prioritize our goals, prepare our soul, and schedule our time wisely. When we discipline ourselves to begin each day with intention and thoughtfulness, we do ourselves and others good. I suggested 7 questions to ask yourself each morning in this article. But what about preparing to end your day? How can we end it well? Consider these 7 questions to ask yourself as you end your work day or before you go to bed.
1. Did I treat others with respect, kindness, and God-inspired grace?
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)
2. Did I rush through the day, or take time to be truly present with others and with God?
“Be still, and know that I am God. …” (Ps. 96:10)
3. Did I treat myself well, respecting my limits and my margins?
As Dr. Richard Swenson penned in his book Margin, “Margin is the space between our load and our limits and is related to our reserves and resilience.”
4. Did I honor God with my time, the responsibilities he entrusted to me, and my competencies?
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Col 3:23)
5. Have I told my kids who live at home or my spouse, “I love you,” at least once today?
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love. …’” (Jer. 31:3)
6. Have I thanked God for at least one blessing He has given me today?
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16–18)
7. If you were to add a seventh question, what would it be?
Ending your day well might be the key to beginning the next day well.
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This article originally appeared on CharlesStone.com.
