It feels so good to be back on the blog after a “Christmas Break” these last couple weeks! Can you believe 2020 is now behind us and we’re a few days into 2021 already?? It’s CRAZY.
I think it’s a good idea each January to reflect back on the year that’s just gone by. And while the past few years have certainly had me learning and growing, the lessons learned in 2020 were a bit more universal than usual.
Here’s what 2020 taught me (and you!):
1.We don’t control nearly as much as we think we do
I think this was really hard for me to grasp–I’m such a perfectionist (ok-control freak). But when the world came to a screeching halt and we found ourselves completely unable to fix what happened or predict what’s next, it was time to face facts. It was a humbling and liberating lesson for me because I was forced to lean into my faith, trust that God’s got this even when I don’t feel like He does, and then let things play out. When I stopped white-knuckling a little bit, I felt less pressure to make it all okay.
2. We don’t know how to relax
We live in a go-go-go culture so when we were all suddenly at home with nowhere to go and no plans in sight, it felt a bit odd. When we could let off the housework (who was gonna see the house anyway?) and the activities fell away, I still felt an itch to be DOING something. And I’m a homebody, so I can’t imagine what everyone felt like who loves to go 24/7! I hope we’ve all been able to fight this one a bit and finally rest. I know I’ve been intentionally taking time for myself, and it’s been soooo nice!
3. We don’t spend enough time with our family
Honestly, my kids weren’t home for long and I only did the homeschool thing a handful of days over this past year. Even still, it became very obvious that the extra time I did have with my kids was needed and cherished. I remember getting out of work early for a few months and using that extra time for walks and playing outside with the kids. They loved every moment of it.
4. We don’t have to have it all figured out
I’ve often thought to myself that at this point, I should have XYZ figured out. But that’s a total lie–we can’t all have every single thing figured out at any given moment. That’s not how life works! Watching this year bring challenges and unexpected changes all over the place showed me that we will all be just fine–even if we don’t have the answers to everything.
5. We can, do, and WILL adapt and thrive
More than anything, 2020 showed us all that we can make it through tough things. It’s not easy. It’s not pleasant. But we’ve learned that it’s possible to keep going through the difficulties in this life. And that right there gives me hope for a 2021 where we can continue to adapt and grow.
May your 2021 be full of love, light, and hope!
