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2020 in Review
In 2020 I’ve learned to love and Live Light through the social changes, economic impact, political divisiveness, strife, racial uproar and unrest.
It was a year none than other. COVID19 stopped everybody on planet earth in their steps. 2020 challenged our belief systems, unsettled society, crushed the economy and muddled politics even more. It broke our normals.
The media scared us with rising numbers of positive COVID19 cases and deaths.
Lockdowns were ordered in March.
Masks were required. Our smiles were hidden, and we lost our identity.
Six feet apart was the new directive. Social distancing was in, hugs were out! Don’t venture out of our “bubble”, “pod”, or whatever you call your close family! Social distancing became physical distancing.
Wash your hands!
Unanswered questions overshadowed everyday life. When will our “old normal” be back? What about a vaccine? Will masks ever go away? When will we be able to hug our loved ones carefree and not wondering if we are infecting them?
My emotions surged to new heights. Uncertainty, frustration, the darkness of fear, anxiety, depression and anger were overwhelming.
My relationships at work, at home and church were challenged.
Everything plummeted out of control. I was exhausted and my outlook on life was gloomy. How do we cope with all of this?
Friends, I was tired of living with the heavy burden of the cold, lonely and smothering darkness. I yearned to live light and carry a light and easy yoke. I longed for soul rest.
Jesus responded in
But how do I Live Light and love in a world with overwhelming and overburdening circumstances?
1. Start my day with quiet time checking in with the Lord calibrating my heart. Wait, listen and meditate on Scripture. Engage in conversation with Jesus (prayer).
2. Invite Jesus into my circumstances. Surrender my independence, my concerns, worries, fears and anxiety to Jesus.
3. Trust Jesus to lead me on the best pathway of my life.
4. Choose to view my circumstances with an eternal perspective. This is a season; we will get through this.
5. Try to remember that Jesus is Immanuel, God with me and He has overcome the troubles of this world. This knowledge helps me to function from a place of victory.
6. Exercise self-care. Jesus reminded us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How could I love my neighbor if I don’t care for myself? Be kind to myself. Pause and breathe deeply before moving to the next project. Check the condition of my soul, heart and mind during the day. Exercise, recuperate and rest. Invest time in something I enjoy doing e.g. long walks on the beach. Avoid too much carbs and sugars. Enjoy fresh fruit and veggies. Slow down before bedtime. Sleep regularly and enough.
7. Practice an attitude of gratitude.
8. Being kind to others. Listen to the emotions of others as they speak. First try to understand before being understood. Communicate kindly. Judge less and speak more life over and into others’ lives. Walk next to my fellow earthlings with compassion and love.
9. Remind myself of the Apostle Paul’s advice in Hebrews 12:1 to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangle” us. Confess and forgive myself and others. Forgiveness lessens anxiety and it helps me to walk like a weight is lifted.
10. Pause again at the end of the day. Review, journal and let go of the unfinished to-do-lists. Recall God’s goodness, grace and mercy.
I wish I could say it was easy, but it wasn’t.
It was a continuous reminder to
Controlling my reactions to my circumstances and my emotions was a deliberate moment to moment choice. However, flexing the muscles strengthened me for the road ahead in 2021.
My hope is that some of the above will help you too in 2021. May you enjoy Peace, Health and Love in 2021.
