Reflections on 2020

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This year has challenged many of us with hardships, disappointments, loneliness. We've gone long without seeing family or friends or feeling the warmth of a hug. We've tried to make good decisions in confusing and uncertain times while wondering whom to believe. While our family has not experienced this, some of you have lost work or close family members.

Looking back, I'm beginning to see how God has been using this year to teach me. Perhaps, despite the difficulty, I'm learning to be grateful for this year as God's continuing to mold me into the image of Christ.

1. Contentment in Disappointment

I'm learning, with faltering steps, that "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." When something seems impossible to bear, Christ can help me bear it this moment, and if He can now, He can in the future as well.

When my hopes are dashed, more than once (whether due to the pandemic or not), sometimes not even those closest to me know the depth, but my God is El Roi, the God who sees, and in my sorrow he sees and cares and comforts me.

2. The Joy of Being Part of the Body of Christ

When we couldn't meet for a while, what a blessing it was to be able to see each other via the Internet and even gather for virtual Bible studies! Then, finally what a joy it was to meet in person again.

Yet, how hard it must be for those who cannot. I pray the Lord will grow me in reaching out to these dear ones in 2021.

3. Greater awareness of sin and dependence on Christ

The pandemic has brought a lot of sin and selfishness to the forefront. Jesus can help me, a struggling soldier when I turn to Him. His word is powerful when I choose to apply it in battle. Please pray that I would!

4. Lots of Blessings!

How easy it is to focus on the negative and forget the good memories of the year! There have been many!

Naomi's new skills in cursive handwriting.

Micaiah's love of play and all things trucks.

Our bluebird nest in the summertime.

Our sweet playdates and visits with dear friends.

Making cookies for Christmas.

Video chats with my mom.
 
Sweet sculptures built with rocks from our rock garden.
 
A kitchen cabinet makeover!

Our 8-foot-tall sunflower that bloomed on Justin's and my 8th anniversary!

Being able to attend a ladies' Bible study from my childhood church over Zoom.

Singing in the Christmas concert for our church this December.
 
Naomi's learning to ride a two-wheeler without training wheels in just a few days!

A fun free week of at-home VBS this summer.

A couple dear friends with whom to share struggles and joys over the year. Thank you for letting me write you. 💗

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