It’s not lost on me that most of us have experienced worry, anxiety, depression, loss, and helplessness to some degree this year – all as a result of a pandemic that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
But while so many people are posting memes about how 2020 is trash, to “throw the year away”, and how they need to see some “terms and conditions” before heading into 2021, we are missing out on what has been a teachable moment for all of us.
God has used this experience to open my eyes to so many things, but here are just a few.
Be flexible
There’s a saying that “we make plans, and God laughs”, which is a perfectly applicable theme for 2020. No matter our intentions, we must be open to His plan, His will, the conditions He allows us to endure.
Be careful what you ask for (Matthew 7:7-8)
I complained (admittedly – a lot) pre-2020 about not being able to enjoy time with loved ones, and about not having enough time to pursue my professional endeavors, hobbies, passions, and self-care. While no one likes their options taken away from them suddenly, I pushed through the uncertainty (and the anxiety it caused). Whether it was a project around the house, scheduling time with hubby, launching my blog, or growing my business, I made a conscious decision to not take this time for granted – and to make the best of it.
Focus on what’s important
Speaking of taking nothing for granted, this pandemic has given me a new appreciation for what I have. Not that I was big on material things before, but now more than ever, I realize that things don’t matter – and that people do. I Timothy 6:7 says, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
I’m more focused now than ever on growing closer to Christ, mending relationships and leaving the petty behind, making memories, and leaving a strong legacy for the generations that I’ll leave here on earth some day.
Health is wealth (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Even though I fell off the wagon for a few months, I had such a great foundation. Already being committed to a healthy, active lifestyle has made it easier to make the right food choices and continue exercising regularly when I was tempted to do otherwise. I challenge you to invest in a healthy lifestyle now, so that your body will thank you for it later.
God uses the darkest moments to show Himself (Psalm 91)
How can I be an effective witness if I haven’t experienced first-hand what God is capable of – especially during one of the most challenging and frightful times in the history of the world? We know that God is a keeper through the testimonies of others, and by what we learned from the Word, but to personally experience and witness his keeping, provision, grace, and mercy makes us that much more firm in our faith.
I don’t know what 2021 will bring, and I’m okay with that. It’s enough to know that God is covering me. And He’s proved it time after time, especially this year.
What lessons have you learned in 2020? Make sure you comment below!