I don’t think that anyone would have been able to anticipate how difficult and exhausting 2020 has been. This time of year, we all find ourselves looking back and looking forward. As many of you, I set goals for myself in January 2020. I was going to run a mile. I was going to FINALLY lose weight. My word for the year was “strong”. And then… COVID happened!

Now, I will say that I didn’t completely fail in 2020. I, as many of you, rose to meet the challenges that I didn’t think I would be able to endure. April for me was the most difficult month. I work at a bank and with all the changes to staffing, many working from home, and those of us still in the office, April was by far the most challenging time I have seen in all my years. But you know what? We survived. We pulled together like never before. We worked long hours, pushed through, and accomplished more than any of us thought was possible.

So, now I stand on the precipice of 2020, looking into the possibilities of 2021. Am I fearful? Yes…
At times, I am very fearful of what the future holds and how it will affect my life. But I have an undeniable strength that keeps me going. The word of God! 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” I am not bound by the chains of fear and doubt! Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. In my weakness, I can find strength in Him! “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”, 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Do I have goals for 2021? You bet! I am going to run a mile! It is just taking me a little longer than I planned. Am I going to lose weight? I am working on that goal as well. But you know what…unlike years before, this year I am not going to doubt myself! I am going to plan the work and work the plan! I am going to continue to study, strive to learn and grow. I am going to continue to write and hopefully bring some comfort and peace to at least one person through those efforts. This blog is officially over a year old now. I hope that through my diligence and my transparency, you have been helped in some small way.

So, 2021…I invite you to “BRING IT”. I will lay whatever you throw at me at the foot of the cross and I will continue to look to him for my strength. Because no one knows what the future holds, but we who live in Christ, know who holds our future. –Amen