As the year gradually comes to an end, one Scripture has been strongly impressed upon my heart:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (KJV))

This Scripture is a gentle reminder that intentional living begins with intentional reflection. As 2025 draws to a close, it is important to take stock of your year and begin planning for 2026.

Many people might say,

“Why should I reflect on 2025?”
“The year was just… there.”
“There are some events i don’t even want to remember.”

… And truly, that feeling is valid. Many of us carry moments we would rather forget. However, one truth remains:

You cannot improve on what you have not evaluated.

This is why companies, businesses and even global organizations conduct strategy sessions around this time of the year. They carefully review the outgoing year, celebrate wins, identify gaps and then develop strategic plans for the next. If companies see this as critical to their growth, how much more should you embrace the same discipline?

Stock-taking Is Biblical.

Reflection is not just a corporate concept; it is a divine principle.

Looking at the creation story in Genesis 1, we see God evaluating His work at every stage:

Gen 1:4 — “And God saw the light, that it was good…”

Gen 1:10 — “…and God saw that it was good.”

Gen 1:12 — “…and God saw that it was good.”

Gen 1:18 — “…and God saw that it was good.”

Gen 1:21 — “…and God saw that it was good.”

Gen 1:25 — “…and God saw that it was good.”

Gen 1:31 — “…and behold, it was very good.”

God didn’t wait until the end; He reviewed daily.

After the entire creation process, God rested (Genesis 2:2) and blessed the Sabbath (Genesis 2:3). Even after a period of rest, another evaluation occurred:

“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone…” — Genesis 2:18.(kjv)

Pastor once shared an interesting insight about the Sabbath during one of our pastor meetings. He explained how the Sabbath (rest) is necessary for refuelling and how it positions us to receive even more. This is why we are encouraged to observe the Sabbath not merely as a day, but as a system of the deliberate practice of conscious rest. Without rest, even good works becomes draining.

We live in Lagos where rest can sometimes feel like a luxury or even a sign of laziness. It almost feels as though if you’re not working every hour of the day, you’re already committing a crime. Many people go Monday to Sunday without pause, until their bodies force them to stop……

Even your body, as designed by God, has built-in mechanisms to demand rest. If you don’t schedule it, your body will- and often at the most inconvenient times.

I strongly advocate for smart, consistent and diligent work… And rest is part of smart work. I’ve personally noticed that after a proper rest, my productivity multiplies sometimes up to five times compared to when I’m just buried in the task.

Resting gives you the margin you need to:

· Reflect
· Meditate
· Course-correct
· Plan for greater effectiveness

Just like God observed what was good and “not good,” rest helps us separate what is working in our lives from what needs adjustment.

As the year ends, take deliberate time to reflect on 2025:

· Document your gratitude.
· List the areas God showed up for you.
· Evaluate your life across key quadrants: spiritual, social, physical and intellectual (career, business, learning, etc.)
· Write what went well.
· Write what didn’t go well.
· Write what you desire to improve/achieve in 2026 (make it big/scary!)

Each time I evaluate and account for things, I become more focused and intentional. However, when we fail to take stock, we lose sight of progress and simply drift.

This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 9:26 (NLT): “So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.”

Don’t go into 2026 shadowboxing. Run with purpose!

Finally, as the holiday/detty December starts, ensure you make plans to take stock of 2025 and make plans for 2026. Number your year and step into 2026 with clarity, purpose and intentionality.

Mayowa Oladunjoye
@Mayowa Oladunjoye

Push Buttons is a weekly devotional of The PowerPoint Tribe.