A Guided Reflection for You and Your Partner
As the year draws to a close, amidst the rush of festive plans and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to just keep pushing forward. We survived another year, right? But pausing, intentionally, to look back together with your partner – whether
you’re married or committed companions on life’s journey – is one of the most powerful things you can do for your relationship.
It hasn’t all been easy. 2025 brought its share of challenges – financial pressures, family worries, personal struggles, maybe unexpected setbacks. But it also brought moments of grace, quiet triumphs, unexpected blessings, and profound growth. Acknowledging the whole picture, together, honours your shared journey and strengthens your foundation for whatever lies ahead.
This isn’t about dwelling on the negative or assigning blame. It’s about creating a sacred space to connect, appreciate, learn, and dream – fueled by honesty, gratitude, and faith.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Taking this time helps you both to:
- Acknowledge Progress: Recognise how far you’ve come, individually and as a team.
- Strengthen Bonds: Honest sharing deepens intimacy and understanding.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Focusing on blessings shifts perspective and fuels hope.
- Learn & Grow: Identify lessons learned to carry forward.
- Build Shared Vision: Align your hopes and prayers for the future.
SETTING THE SCENE
Choose a time when you can be relaxed and undisturbed – maybe after the kids are asleep, or during a quiet weekend hour. Make some tea or coffee. Put away your phones. Sit comfortably, facing each other or side-by-side. Light a candle if it helps create a calm atmosphere. Agree to listen without interrupting, seeking only to understand each other’s perspective.
YOUR GUIDED REFLECTION
Take turns sharing your thoughts on these prompts. Remember, listen with love.
Our Mountains & Valleys
- What was the biggest challenge we faced together this year? How did we navigate it?
- What was a significant personal challenge I faced, and how did your support (or lack thereof) feel?
- What unexpected difficulty surprised us, and what did it teach us about our resilience?
Growth & Lessons
- In what ways have I seen you grow this year? (Affirm each other!)
- How have I grown personally? What new strength or understanding did I gain?
- What did we learn as a couple this year about how we handle stress, make decisions, or communicate?
Counting Our Blessings
- What small, everyday blessings am I most grateful for in our life together?
- What big answered prayer or unexpected joy are we celebrating from this year?
- Where did we witness God’s provision or grace, perhaps through the kindness of others or a timely solution?
Faith & Foundation
- How did our shared faith (or individual spiritual practices) sustain us through the tough times?
- Was there a moment I felt particularly close to God this year?
- What is our shared prayer or hope for our family/relationship in 2026?
Connection & Looking Forward
- Can you recall a specific moment this year when you felt deeply connected to me?
- What is one practical way we can intentionally nurture our connection more next year? (e.g., regular date nights, checking in daily, praying together).
- What dream or goal are you most excited about pursuing together in the year ahead?
End your time by affirming each other. Acknowledge the effort, the love, the partnership. If apologies are needed, offer them freely. If forgiveness is required, extend it generously. Hold hands, perhaps say a prayer together, and step towards the end of the year united, grateful, and hopeful. Your connection is your greatest strength.