Gratitude for 2020
How was 2020?
I know, many people are more than ready to say goodbye to 2020. A year ago, I do not believe any of us were prepared for lockdowns, viruses, virtual schooling, social unrest, political divides, and the onslaught of rudely stated opinions online. But, here we are a year later, and we have endured all those things and more. In fact, there is still a virus (heads up: there will always be viruses this side of Heaven), there is still social unrest and a need for racial reconciliation, and the political divides seem to be increasing and the rudeness carries on. I never would have thought we would not be able to enter restaurants and stores freely. Never before have I seen such a horrible display of humanity when opinions differ on any given topic. But 2020 delivered it all. Or, maybe the year simply revealed what has always been there.
How do I view 2020?
Unlike many, I do not despise this year. While I have not liked all aspects of the year, I have no hatred for it. Why? I saw God at work. With the pace of life coming to a dramatic halt, I found myself enjoying the stillness and quiet. When our schedules were stripped, we slowed down. There were moments of frustration, but there were more moments of joy. I saw the depth of our faith. God proved, again, to be trustworthy. When He said to let go, I did. I released so many of my own dreams, ideas, and plans that I had space to receive what He had for me. For me, there was power in the releasing, the trusting, and in believing. I found God to be even better than I previously believed. And the more I leaned into Him, the better I found Him to be.
Yes, I am grateful for 2020
A friend and I were discussing how we are thankful for this year, though we know we hold an uncommon opinion. As I told her, the year can only have the power we give to it. The year held twelve months, just as every previous year. The year was filled with days we had to choose how to respond, how to speak, how to act, and how to think. I do not think this year was necessarily harder. No, I think we were finally forced to pay attention. We saw the brokenness in our world more clearly. Each day, we chose where to place our faith. 2020 has been a year of sifting, and of pruning. For that, I am grateful.
Will you choose to remember?
As the new year dawns, and the days pass by, will you remember 2020? If I had to guess, it has left a mark on us, one that will not soon be washed away. I want to remember the friendships that anchored and encouraged me. Yes, I want to remember the way God revealed himself. Do I look forward to 2021? Of course. But, I will not begrudge or despise 2020 because she has been an incredible teacher, abrupt at times, but a teacher nonetheless. Then again, maybe it is the abruptness that caused me to finally pay attention.
Prayer
Father, thank you for 2020. Thank you for being faithful and trustworthy. Help us to remember the beautiful, the ugly, the joy, and the sorrow of this year. May we remember you are more than enough, and that this world will never satisfy us. Father, bring healing, bring freedom, bring justice, and bring mercy. Amen.
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