Time Line- Gaining Perspective

What a timeline can do for me:
A time line can help orient us and give us a better sense of direction toward our destination

A timeline can help me FOCUS in on KEY ASPECTS of my development:

1. BOUNDARIES (MAJOR TRANSITIONS, PARADIGM SHIFTS)in my life

2. CRITICAL INCIDENTS (UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES THAT ARE FORMATIVE)

3. INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE (VALUES OFTEN ARE IMPRESSED UPON US IN THIS WAY

4. KEY LESSONS LEARNED

Note: Making a visually explicit map of my life history also enables me to better explain myself to others – to help them understand me and my journey with God to date.

The timeline helps me LABEL developmental stages of my life.
A timeline allows me to continue to REFLECT on my life and to LIFE-SCHEDULE.

Each person is unique. God shapes each of us over an entire lifetime for unique purposes. He has a plan (calling or purpose) for our lives. And He has created each of us in the hope that we will seek to discover and live-out that special life-course which He Himself has prepared in advance for us.

Coming to understand the way God is attempting to orchestrate our lives involves a process of self- discovery. This process is aided by personal reflection, prayer and processing with other mature leaders. It is also helped along by comparing how God generally works in developing Christian leaders over a lifetime.

Getting Started with Your Life-Map, the “Post-it Note” Way

Brainstorm the significant people, events and circumstances and life lessons that have shaped your life.

* Think back to your earliest memories and work your way to the present.
* As images and thoughts come to mind, record these on posts- it notes
* Only one item per note, using one word or a short phrase to describe the actual event
* Place the notes on the table in front of you, in no particular order
* This is simply BRAINSTORMING, so don’t explain, feel guilty, or get hung up on details

Arange according to time and category. Be creative!
1. BOUNDARIES (MAJOR TRANSITIONS, PARADIGM SHIFTS)in my life

2. CRITICAL INCIDENTS (UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES THAT ARE FORMATIVE)

3. INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE (VALUES OFTEN ARE IMPRESSED UPON US IN THIS WAY

4. KEY LESSONS LEARNED