Reflection is one of the most important skills in life. Perhaps Socrates said it most poignantly when he said that an unexamined life is not worth living. This last session with the group offers a chance to look at all you have accomplished. It might be easy for some to find fault or look at the places where things did not work as you wished; to focus on how much more could have been accomplished; to want more time, more materials, more control, or more organization. It is true that reflection is about finding the places where you can do better, but it is also about deepening. When looking at the places where events went well, remember what you learned and acknowledge the connections that have grown over time. Reflection is a life skill that we can practice and, as with anything else we practice, become better at doing.

It might be helpful for you to spend time reflecting both alone and with your co-leader on the experience of working with youth on Families. How has this experience changed your feelings about the families in your congregation? Did your work give you opportunities to reflect upon your own family? Were there any revelations about working with youth that you particularly want to remember? Create a method by which to retain special memories from this project. You might save personal photographs or a journal. Consider sharing favorite memories with your co-leader or your congregation's religious educator.