Half the year has come and gone. Maybe this would be a good time to come up for air, take a look around, and see how things are progressing.

What things? Pretty much anything is open for examination: Finances, Scripture memorization plan, home improvement projects, the amount of time spent connecting with your friends . . . the point is to live intentionally. Proverbs 14:15 says “…the wise think about what they do.” While that may sound like a no-brainer, it’s all too easy to go through life on auto-pilot, only looking as far ahead as the next thing on the to-do list. Now and then it’s helpful to get a view of the big picture.

Why do it now? Why not? Call it a mid-year review. It may sound a little scary, but you’ll survive. Set an appointment with yourself (and with God) to examine your life. Try to see yourself through His eyes—and remember, you are precious in His sight. Ask if there’s something you need to add or delete from your schedule, habits, or attitude. And take notes! Six months from now (when you do this again), you’ll be amazed at the progress you’ve made.

To take stock of something means “to survey it carefully.” Once you’ve surveyed yourself, turn that same attention to God. As Psalm 34:8 tells us, “Examine and see how good the Lord is.” Because, the Psalmist goes on to remind us, “Happy is the person who trusts Him.”