As this year comes to a close, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate and reflect on the difference you’ve made through your giving. When you take a few moments to look back and consider how your generosity has impacted children and families living in poverty around the world, you can better understand your own journey as a giver and prepare for what’s next.
Here are some journal prompts to help guide your reflections on this past year and set intentions for the year ahead.
Looking back: Reflect on your giving and impact in 2024
1. What inspired my giving this year?
Reflect on the moments, stories or personal values that motivated you to give in 2024.
2. How have I seen God move through my giving?
Consider the ways your financial support, prayers or advocacy have helped transform the lives of children, families and communities.
3. What impact did I hope to have in 2024, and how has that been fulfilled?
Think about the goals or causes you focused on and the ways you’ve contributed to positive change.
4. What surprises or lessons did I experience in my giving journey this year?
Consider any unexpected outcomes—both challenging and rewarding—and how they’ve shaped your perspective on generosity.
5. In what ways has my giving grown or evolved in 2024?
Reflect on how your relationship with giving has deepened, shifted or taken on new meaning this year.
Looking ahead: Set intentions for your giving and impact in 2025
6. What are my giving priorities for 2025?
Identify the causes or communities you feel called to support in the upcoming year. Perhaps you feel passionate about the one-on-one impact of sponsorship, or maybe there is a category of Gifts of Compassion that has captured your heart. Or maybe you want to be more hands-on and begin your volunteering
7. How can I align my giving with my personal values and faith?
Consider ways to make your generosity more purposeful and rooted in the things that matter most to you.
8. What impact do I hope to have by the end of 2025?
Set intentions for how you want to help change lives and transform communities through your giving next year.
9. What new ways can I engage with Compassion’s mission in 2025?
Explore new-to-you opportunities to give, such as sponsoring a child for the first time or making a monthly donation to Urgent Needs. Or consider something beyond financial giving, such as prayer or volunteering.
10. How can I remain intentional and consistent in my generosity throughout the year?
Think about strategies to stay committed to your giving goals, whether through budgeting, prayer or setting reminders.
As you reflect on 2024 and plan for 2025, be encouraged that every move of compassion is a vital part of creating a brighter future for children living in poverty. Your support is changing lives.
-Rebekah Malbrecht is a Content Specialist at Compassion Canada.
