2020: Total Garbage or Silver Lining?

 SO MANY THINGS!!!! ALLLLLLLLL THE THINGS!!!!  Good GRIEF! Where to begin...

2020 was most definitely a year to remember, though none of us really want to remember all of it.  2020 brought us the entire spectrum of events and emotions, and a sense of apprehension for 2021.  Wild fires, SARS COV-19 (COVID, The Rona, whatever nickname you wanna give it...), death, life, one of the most emotionally charged elections in history, need I go on?  

For me, I'm choosing to focus on the positives.  Our children are growing and learning to handle emotions, feelings, and how to adapt and overcome instead of crumbling.  In February, we were finally able to move into a house on our own after having to live with my parents for 2 years while we tried to recover from some financial instability.  I got the opportunity to learn new skills within my job with the USPS.  Subsequently, I learned how to keep the joy during what was possibly the most difficult political and holiday season we've faced as an organization.  My husband is thriving at work, and leading by example.  COVID has brought lots of changes and heartache, but it gave us time to slow down and spend quality time with our children.  It made us focus on what's important.  We reprioritized our lives, and most of all, it showed us how dispensable we really are in a society who wants us to believe we are chained careers and jobs that will in reality dismiss us as soon as we are no longer useful.  

We also got one more Thanksgiving and Christmas with my precious grandmother.  I am so grateful for my family and how close we are.  I couldn't imagine life without them in it.  

2020 introduced me to new books, podcasts, music, and let me reminisce with old favorites as well.  Most importantly, I became reacquainted with the Bible and my prayer life.  I've tried very hard to shift my focus to God and His plan for my life.  I've become eager to see what He does in my life.  

What did you discover in 2020?  How did it leave you?  Are you grateful? Are you bitter?  Are you ready to yell, "JUMANJI!" at midnight and never speak of this year again in hopes that 2021 will fix everything?  For me, I choose to look forward and wonder how I can use the next opportunity for God's glory.  

Happy New Year!  Here's to family, faith, and a new beginning.