Would It Help to Reimagine?

What does it mean to reimagine? This requires a shift in viewpoint, an openness to new information, a willingness to be inspired, and a desire to grow. The dictionary definition of reimagine is “to imagine again or anew; to form a new conception of.” How can we apply this to daily life? I suspect that this is an activity that goes well with summer, with a change of season, or with any period of time that lends itself to regrouping.

Which aspects of our lives lend themselves to being imagined anew? Here’s a list that follows no particular scheme but at least provides some ideas to consider.

Maybe it’s time to reimagine . . .

• my role in the workplace. Is it time for this to shift? Is my job description changing, and should it be addressed directly now? Have I entered a season of mentoring someone else? Have I been asked to learn new skills or take on new responsibilities?
• my role in the faith community, the volunteer organization, or my physical neighborhood. Is it time to step into leadership—or to step down from leadership? Has my voice become a voice of wisdom or the cry for change or the sound of peace and encouragement?
• the use of my physical space. Do my needs or interests require a different use of certain rooms in my house or of outdoor spaces? Is it time to declutter or to build?
• my creative work. Am I trying too hard to accomplish something that needs to be moved to the back burner? Is a new creative challenge taking shape that needs my attention? Do I need to adjust the amount of time I’ve given to certain creative endeavors?
• my key relationships. Is it time to nurture my affection and passion for my significant other? Have I entered a season of change in the way I relate to a son or daughter? Are there friendships that should be nourished—or let go? Is it time to use my influence more in a certain relationship or situation?
• my spiritual practice. Should I more aggressively practice what I am already doing, or would it be wise to shift to a different mode of prayer or meditation? Have I been trying to force a manner of spirituality that no longer fits my personality and situation?
• my ministry. After years of offering a particular act of mercy (working with a food pantry, shelter, hospice ministry, etc.), do I sense another ministry calling for my passion and energy? Or is it time to step down from formal ministry, because a family member’s needs require most of my resources?

Can you remember a time when you did some reimagining that gave a boost to your life? What can get in the way of reimagining?