Introspective:
characterized by examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection.

Merriam-Webster.com dictionary

A friend shared,

I’ve spent the last three years sitting in a men’s growth group. Most of my time was spent sitting there repeating one question, “Why do I keep coming here and doing this to myself?”

For two and a half years I repeated, There is nothing wrong. I’m a good communicator. I know myself. I do a lot of good. I am a smart guy and I help people. What else is there?

Then, a breakthrough occurred. I became introspective. This may sound weird but I started looking inside the box known as me. This is what I saw:

• I spent a lifetime guarding myself.
• I overuse logic to impress people.
• I am good at shutting down, then hiding inside where no one can find me.
• I’m really good at disconnecting and avoiding.

In closing, let me say the first two and a half years were spent learning emotional language, concepts, and patterns. Those were the tools I needed to verbalize the breakthrough when it happened.

Prayer

Father, you know everything about me. You know the good, the bad, and the ugly. You know my fears and doubts. My weaknesses and coping skills do not scare you. In response you sent Jesus to cover my failings and the Holy Spirit to comfort me. Thank you for your never ending love. Amen.

Meditate on these words of Jesus:

A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.

(Even in the depth of your soul.)
-John 10:10 NCV