Me and about a million other bloggers are trying to write something pithy and witty to close out the worst and weirdest year ever.
Here’s my attempt.
2020 wasn’t fun.
- I like to eat out.
- I like to watch movies on the big screen with a sound system that blows my hair back and rattles my seat.
- I like to hug without asking, “Are you okay hugging?”
But who said life is always enjoyable?
2020 wasn’t easy.
- Some of my favorite people died.
- The political rancor reeked (more than usual).
- Money was tight. (Like me in skinny jeans tight!)
But who said life is always stress-free?
2020 wasn’t normal.
- Church and other gatherings online weren’t the same.
- I hate wearing a mask.
- I never know whether I’ll be shunned or celebrated because I'm not too fond of masks.
But who said life is always what I expect?
Nope, 2020 wasn’t what I hoped for. Not. At. All.
Sure, I learned some good things along the way (see that post here), but I still have way more questions than answers.
But maybe, just maybe, living with tensions, questions, and struggles is good for me.
Perhaps, emotional and spiritual growth happens best when I realize how very little I actually control, and all I can do is take life one day at a time.
Here’s an eye-opening thought: What if 2021 is harder and uglier and maskier? (Yes, I made the word "maskier" word up.) What if we have to wade through another year of unmet expectations? What if we start hearing from everybody, “And we thought 2020 was tough!”?
I have no idea what 2021 holds in store for us. As someone once said, "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future."
So, I suggest we decide our future response to the possibly unwanted circumstances now.
I believe the best long-term answer to all our struggles and fears isn’t found in a vaccine, or any politician, or even in your favorite pastor. 🙂
The solution is to keep our eyes on the only One who never changes and on the One who never leaves or forsakes us.
“Remember, I am with you always,
even until the end of the world
as you know it.”
Matthew 28:20 (BPV)
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I thought it was a little naive when my cohorts in 2020 celebrated the New Year as though it pushed out all the old stuff. Maybe 2021 will be the 2020 sequel. The sequel is never good as the original (shudder). Thank you for reminding us from wence cometh our hope.
So true, Patrick! Nonetheless, this too shall pass. It’s one chapter, not the whole story in our lives.
Well Said!! May God Bless you and yours in 2010
Thank you, Doug!
Thank you ! I heard a minister on YouTube yesterday talk about the Vine and producing fruit from it ! He said in a shorter version “ as a gardener, when you want more juicy bigger fruit, you trim back the good branches also “ what he said was even though we maybe producing good fruit in Jesus’s vine , Jesus wants more fruit more appealing , juicier so we are being trimmed back ( through challenges, hardships, grief, and uncertainty) wow it was a new spin on this story !! It encourages me to preserve and know also that it isn’t because we deserve all these hardships but because we are becoming better through them . I’m focusing on the here and now , God’s present !! Have a fruitful 2021 children of God !
Hi Cindy, thanks for adding to the conversation. Great insights. Happy New Year!
Love it! Thanks Kurt for your honesty and ability to gently remind us not preach at us. 21 may be worse but at least we’re putting on the armor of God and open eyed about the battles before us. Jesus take the wheel!
Appreciate your encouragement, Paulette. You are loved.
Definately need to share this!
Thank you, Shelli. Glad it encouraged you.