Out with the old and in with the new. The old year, 2020, was difficult for many people. Well, surely that’s an understatement! The pandemic and political upheaval have left many people in grief, facing uncertainty, isolation, distrusting of not only the government but of other people, as well as the possibility of homelessness and financial ruin. 2020 has been a difficult year for many people.
While the availability of vaccines makes 2021 seem bright, we can’t be sure what the future will bring. I’m not one to race ahead with suggestions of what might be. Instead, as this year ends, I want to consider that good things also happened for people during 2020. These comments were gathered from social media as well as messages and emails to me. While they are listed to assure anonymity, these are comments from real people. Some of these people lost loved ones to COVID 19, lost jobs, and experienced other significant stress during 2020. I share this list as a reminder that even in difficult times, life still offers us the possibility of goodness.
1. I lost 20 pounds since March. I struggled with weight loss all my life, but being at home I was able to focus and do it.
2. My new dog is the best companion! Working from home, I can take care of her.
3. I’ve gotten to know my neighbors and enjoy socializing with them outdoors. We were “friendly-ish” before, but we never knew each other.
4. Thanks to virtual services, I’m now part of a church in another state that has made a difference in my life. They have all kinds of study groups and classes. It’s amazing!
5. I lost a job I hated. I was the first laid off. I’m glad it happened. I ended up with my dream job.
6. The two kittens I got are so much fun. Even though I live alone, they are cuddly and entertaining.
7. I figured since my kids are going to school virtually, I could go back to school online and finish my degree.
8. I started walking every day to get out of the house. I look forward to it. I never thought that I’d get into regular exercise.
9. Meditation was difficult at the beginning of the pandemic. But something changed. Now, I find great depth in my daily meditation. It’s different from before.
10. We bought our home because we thought it would be a great place to relax. But we were never home and always on the go. Now we appreciate our home.
11. I reconnected with old friends on Facebook. We’ve had a couple of meetings with classmates to catch up. It helps to be connected to people who were so close to me when I was younger.
12. At first, I thought I lost everything. But it pushed me to figure out what I really wanted. I learned to draw and paint. I’m not very good yet, but I’m learning and enjoying it.
13. I’m much closer to my children. Yes, it took getting used to having everyone at home. But we are a much closer family now.
14. We’re pregnant! #3 is on the way!
15. I’m taking better care of myself more than I ever did. I exercise regularly and eat healthier food. I feel better and sleep better.
Yes, many of the things people shared are simple things. They are things that mattered to each person. Yes, even in a very difficult year, people found good in their lives. That’s an important lesson for us all.
No matter what 2021 may bring, let’s all remember that it’s the choices we make each day that will bring us happiness in life even when things are falling down around us. Living each day as fully as we can is all that we can ever do, whether times are good or bad.
Happy New Year!
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
These times are trust shaking for us all. We need to take a look at those Sauls that we feel are our persecutors. Even the worst have the potential of becoming a Paul.
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Cass: Indeed, trust is difficult in these days. But together, we need to hold onto trust that life at its core is goodness and grace. Lou