G'Day Hodgepodgers

Welcome to another week in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post. Before you run off do the neighborly thing and leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

1. Have you done more binge watching this past year than in 'normal' years? Any plans to break that habit in 2021? Tell us one or two shows you binged last year that you really liked. 

We have definitely watched more television in the past year than any other year of our married life. In a 'regular' year we're not big bingers, but one does what one must in the age of Corona. If life resumes some normalcy we can easily break the tv habit. We live on a lake and enjoy being out of doors and on the water, hopefully with friends and/or family nearby. 

Shows we've binged and enjoyed?  The Americans, Yellowstone, Bosch, The Queen's Gambit, Outlander...probably more, but these are the shows that popped into my head first. The Americans was my favorite. 

2. January 26th is Australia Day. Have you ever visited or lived in Australia? Have you ever tasted Vegemite, and if so what did you think?  Is a trip down under on your bucket list? We answered a question about travel three months ago (the October 21st Hodgepodge), but let's revisit now...where are you when it comes to planning or even imagining travel this year? 

I've never been to Australia but it's definitely on my list, New Zealand too. I have friends from that part of the world and I'd love to see them in person. I've tasted vegemite and it's just eh for me. 

As far as travel goes...it's still really hard to imagine anything international, and we don't have anything outside of the US currently on the books. We were planning to attend a wedding in Mexico, but the bride and groom have changed plans and we'll now be celebrating stateside. That will be fun too but means no toes in the sand so we need to figure out how to remedy that somewhere this year. 

3. Something that zaps your energy? Something that energizes you? 

As far as what zaps my energy I think everyone knows what my answer will be...anything and everything relating to 'politics' via social media lately. 

Something that energizes me?  That first cup of coffee with the sunrise makes me feel anything is possible, a hike in the great wide somewhere, meaningful conversations with my daughters or close friends...lots of things. 

4. On a scale of 1-10 what are your eating habits like these days? (1=all junk food all the time and 10= juicing every green thing in the frig) Healthiest meal you've eaten in the last week or so? 

Well we're coming off a wedding which was highly motivating in terms of watching my diet. Plus, I thought we were going to Mexico which would have meant bathing suits, and that thought is also motivating. 

Overall we eat pretty healthy. I am not into juicing, but fruits and veg are my favorite so there's always lots of both in our daily diet. I do watch my carbs and admit I had too much sugar over the Christmas holidays, but have made an effort to get back on track there so I'm going with an 8. Not bad, but still room for improvement. 

5. What's your most often 'Back in my day....' thing to say? 

I feel like I use this expression more in my writing than in my speaking, but maybe something along the lines of ..."we learned how to wait for things." Waiting is something of a lost art. Everything is so instant these days which means we don't get a lot of practice. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I do plan to write more about the wedding weekend, but I would love to have some photos to go with all my many words and as a nod to question #5, we're still waiting for the professional pics. Until then, here's a little snapshot of the I Dos captured by one of our guests-

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 405

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then skate back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there-

1. Have you done more binge watching this past year than in 'normal' years? Any plans to break that habit in 2021? Tell us one or two shows you binged last year that you really liked. 

2. January 26th is Australia Day. Have you ever visited or lived in Australia? Have you ever tasted Vegemite, and if so what did you think?  Is a trip down under on your bucket list? We answered a question about travel three months ago (the October 21st Hodgepodge), but let's revisit now...where are you when it comes to planning or even imagining travel this year? 

3. Something that zaps your energy? Something that energizes you? 

4. On a scale of 1-10 what are your eating habits like these days? (1=all junk food all the time and 10= juicing every green thing in the frig) Healthiest meal you've eaten in the last week or so? 

5. What's your most often 'Back in my day....' thing to say? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Practice Makes Perfect

While I don't have many photos yet! from the wedding day itself, I do have quite a few from the rehearsal so let's go there next. They're  a little blurry and my computer hates my photos so editing is a problem, but I'm sharing anyway. 

Somehow we missed taking a whole group shot at the rehearsal dinner but we were busy enjoying life in real time and which is more important?  

Okay, let's back up...the bride and groom arrived at the lake Thursday afternoon, followed shortly thereafter by the groom's parents. His folks are the absolute nicest people and we have a lot in common. We are looking forward to making many happy memories together as extended family in the years to come. Hubs grilled chicken and my next door neighbor dropped by with the most delicious appetizer (a hot bacon and onion dip that was so good you could have eaten it with a spoon) and we had a wonderful relaxing meal as soon-to-be family. 

The in-laws headed back to the small big city to check into the hotel and we got the cars loaded and the bags packed and checked and re-checked we weren't forgetting anything before heading to bed. Friday morning the kids headed out to deposit their two pups at the kennel and we headed out to pick up the wedding dress from the seamstress who kindly offered to steam it for us. Steaming a wedding gown makes me nervous so I was grateful for the assistance. Actually I don't really like to iron so probably would have had hubs do it. He's good with the iron and the vacuum both, so yay hubs! 

We all met up at the downtown hotel, dropped the gift bags we'd put together for our guests at the front desk, and got busy celebrating. Hubs went with the groom and the groom's dad, brother, and good friend to lunch at a local sports bar while the bride, her mother-in-law and I went to a bridal luncheon with the bridesmaids at a nearby charming little bistro (Brick Street Cafe for you locals). 

Daughter2 passed out gifts to her wedding party and we had a lovely couple of hours just chatting and letting the excitement build. 

The rehearsal was at 4 PM in the venue, but not in the space where the actual wedding would be performed. We had the day of ceremony in the building's lovely glass lobby but on a Friday afternoon non-wedding people were coming and going in that space, so we moved the rehearsal upstairs. 

Is my daughter a teacher? Yes, how could you tell?  

 

Did I take a single picture capturing the scope of the venue? No I did not. But there will be some to share very soon. 

Our reception was held on the 6th floor of a downtown building,  a gorgeous rooftop venue with views of the city, and that's where the bride and groom practiced getting married.

Is that something you can practice? Hmmm...in normal times I might say not really, but in the age of Corona yes, a little bit. The newlyweds have learned a lot in this season of making ready to join their lives and much of what they've had to 'practice' will be put to good use as the years roll by. 

Patience-check.

Flexibility-check.

Adjusting expectations-check.

Focusing on what is most important-check. 

Regularly asking God to show you the path you need to be on, and then cheerfully walking that path-check and check. 

After the rehearsal we headed to a most fabulous evening hosted by the groom's parents. The rehearsal dinner was held in a cozy nearby loft space (The Loft at Soby's) and it felt almost like we were celebrating in someone's home. We had a delicious meal and then the words flowed. 

 

First the groom's dad spoke and as he described the traits he and the groom's mom love best about their son I couldn't help but think he might be describing my very own hubs. Hubs and his new son-in-law are alike in very many ways and he tucks so nicely into our family. 

Several of the groomsmen also spoke and I loved hearing people talk about my now son-in-law, about what a good friend, encourager, fun-loving, optimistic soul he is. I got a good one y'all. Bridesmaids were up next and it was again so special to hear these sweet friends tell how much our girl means to them. 

One has known her since the second grade, one as an adult, and one is a cousin so a first friend to both my girls. A cousin is the next best thing to a sister and we were so happy to have some family in the wedding party. 

Nobody knew about Daughter1's video toast and we saved that until the end. Thankfully, because everyone present agreed if we'd played that first nobody would have wanted to follow. It nearly wrecked me and the bride both, but we recovered and it is a memory I will treasure forever and ever amen. 

After all the emotion what we needed was cake. Cake is the answer to a lot of life's questions and this one was super cute. 

The cake was followed by the real thing...bourbon and cigars on the rooftop along with a touching champagne toast courtesy of hubs brother and sister-in-law. We decided up front that anyone who wanted to celebrate the bride and groom in some way would be welcome to do so because in this crazy upside down world there can never be too much love. 

And y'all these two are so very easy to love. 

Happily Ever Hodgepodge

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Here we go-

1. What's something we'd find you doing most afternoons? 

Afternoon activities vary here, but it's safe to say at some point between 1 and 3 PM you'll find me making a cup of tea. 

2. Who do you take after? In what way(s)? 

I'm like my mother in very many ways, but not all ways, and naturally there's some of my dad in me too. I wrote a post along these lines back in 2017 which you'll find here. Basically my mom and I both enjoy a lot of the same things... cooking, reading, Bible study, and loving our people. We're sensitive and we both might be a little bit stubborn or as I like to say 'independent'. We like the word home and all that entails. 

3. 'After every storm comes a rainbow' or 'the calm before the storm'...which phrase do you relate to more right now? Tell us why? 

I like the first one, but fear the latter applies better to our country just now. People are not happy and it shows. 

For me personally I'm going with the rainbow. We've just experienced a wonderful wedding weekend, and while I wouldn't necessarily describe the season of planning as 'stormy weather' it wasn't all cloudless skies either. 

The day itself was for sure all rainbows though.

4.What are your plans for the day after tomorrow? 

We don't have a lot of plans this week since we're coming off the wedding weekend. We're laying low and sticking close to home to be sure everyone is healthy. I'm doing a few things each day in the way of catching up...laundry, blogging, vendor reviews, putting away all the wedding bits and bobs...

5. Complete this sentence-"After all is said and done_____________________."

He is still the great I AM. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have almost no pictures on my phone, but here's one someone sent...a sneak peek of the gorgeous cake. You really need to see the wider view of the table it was sitting on because our florist worked some crazy beautiful magic there-

Ironically I'm holding my phone? I think we had just called her sister. 

Also, might as well get this out of the way now...that's the grooms adorable grandparents in the background, sharing one short small dance together all by their lonesome on the dance floor. Rest assured they wore masks at all times otherwise, had their vaccines prior, and did not stay past dinner. Not that it should be anyone's business but their own, except in 2021 people make all sorts of things their business that are not their business. 

I know by sharing photos there will be judgements made because sadly, that's how the internet rolls. With great judgement. With everyone's opinions stated as fact. Going forward I'm not going to explain the back story to each and every shot I post so keep calm and carry on everyone, and have a happy Wednesday. 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 404

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here tomorrow to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What's something we'd find you doing most afternoons? 

2. Who do you take after? In what way(s)? 

3. 'After every storm comes a rainbow' or 'the calm before the storm'...which phrase do you relate to more right now? Tell us why? 

4.What are your plans for the day after tomorrow? 

5. Complete this sentence-"After all is said and done_____________________."

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Good Things Come In Small Packages

Where to begin? My head is swimming and I need a nap, but I know from experience if I don't start to put some of my wedding-related thoughts into words the blog mountain will grow and feel insurmountable. I'm sure I'll write several posts diving into all the fun details but I need to start somewhere so let's start here.  

We hosted a wedding this past weekend. Yes. In the middle of a pandemic. And it was all the things a wedding should be...sacred and serious and beautiful and fun. So much fun! 

It was also small. Should weddings be small? Let's start there because I have a few things to say about that. 

If you know us in person you know we're social people. We've moved a lot and have friends scattered around the globe, and our daughters are both social creatures as well, with lots of friends scattered around the globe, and in fact our daughter1, the brides sister and bestest friend in the whole wide world is herself around the globe, which I'll get to in a minute, but the point is we like people. We like parties, social gatherings, laughing, dancing, music, and great big bunches of our friends and family in the same place at the same time. 

In 2021 that is just not meant to be. So what do you do? Do you postpone? Until when? Until summer? Next year? Nobody seems to know, and so we make a choice. We set new expectations and we laser in on the truly important. We find new ways of celebrating and marking life's milestones because by golly, they need to be celebrated and marked. 

Daughter2 and her oh so special groom joined hands and lives to become Mr. and Mrs. on a blue sky January day.  I think we all wondered how this wedding would look and how it would feel and I am here to tell you it looked amazing and it felt fabulous. 

For the record, I don't have many photographs to share because everyone was fully present which is how a wedding should be. I'm sharing a few phone snaps people have given me, but our fab photographer uses real film so the professional shots will take some time. 

We would not have chosen a small wedding were it not for Covid, but I can honestly say I loved everything about the size of our gathering. It was so wonderfully intimate and the venue was gorgeous. 

Then there was the bride. This girl was positively beaming, relaxed and happy as she marched confidently through the door God opened many months prior. She and her groom were able to thoroughly enjoy time with each other and with every guest present. We all were and that is so very special and something we've all taken away from the weekend. 

Quite a few of you who read here regularly have asked about the bride's sister, if she was there. In a word no. She had every intention of being there, she booked her trip, and later rearranged and rebooked her trip, but in the end she was unable to travel due to restrictions and complications on re-entry into S. Korea upon return. So that's that. Nobody needed the added stress of worrying about her coming to the states and getting stuck here while her boys were in S.Korea. We had many people praying specifically for clarity and the door was shut for her. It doesn't get much clearer than that. 

And you know what? There were some tears shed over this, BUT! they did not rule the day. If I were to make a list of my favorite moments of the entire weekend the video daughter1 made for her sister would be near the very top. She recorded herself giving her matron of honor speech and I have never in all my life heard a more perfect speech than this one. We played it as a surprise at the rehearsal dinner and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It felt like she was there and that was important. 

Our wedding planner (Beckon Events if you're in my part of the country-they are the absolute best!!) helped us set up a Facebook live feed so she could watch the ceremony, and we had other family members who were unable to travel view it there too, so that was something. Not the same as being there in person, but we are all doing our best in this season of uncertainty. 

And that's all I'm going to say about that, because it was not the main thing and I want to keep my eyes on the main thing. 

The adorable newlyweds. 

Who charmed their guests, danced every dance, and who know with God all things are possible. 

Hodgepodge Bells Are Gonna Chime

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday Hodgepodge. Bet you can't guess what's filling my time, thoughts, and calendar right now-ha! If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post then leave a comment for your neighbor. Here we go-

1. When were you last a guest at an event or in someone's home? Tell us about it. Do you enjoy having guests in your own home? 

We made a weekend visit to see friends  back in September, and I think that was the last time I was a guest in someone's home. We laughed til our sides hurt, had a spontaneous dance party, and were so grateful to be together in person. 

Hubs and I gave everyone a hat that matched something about their personality...here's ours-

Accurate. 

I think my daughter's bridal shower in October was the last event I attended. It was a lovely, special day which I wrote about here. Both of these 'events' were a lot of fun, and felt as safe as anything can feel with a virus still lurking. 

We love having guests in our home and look forward to doing that again. Normally my house is a revolving door, at least in the summer months, and I'm hoping we have at least a few houseguests this year. 

2. What has you 'tied up in knots' currently or recently? Are you any good at tying actual knots? 

Planning a wedding during a pandemic opens the door to a whole lot of knot tying if you let it. We have worked hard to keep that door shut. I've had many people praying about some very specific requests, and I take great comfort in that support. I will not say there haven't been any disappointments because we've had some of those on a fairly grand scale, but I am trusting God for a day that is beautiful in every way. 

As far as real knots go...I feel like I do more untangling than I do tying. 

3. What's something you've been wanting to do and have decided 2021 will be the year you 'take the plunge'? 

Re-do my office. I don't just mean in terms of organization either. I want to put some shiplap on the walls, get rid of my big desk and add a small table instead, have a murphy bed made for the corner, and purchase a new computer. 

4. Something in your home that's old? Something new? Something borrowed? Something blue?

old-me? nope...we do have an old classic car here so let's go with that. 

new-I have a dress just waiting to be worn. Soon. eek! 

borrowed-a portable crib a friend loaned me when the mancub was born. We're still using it from time to time and she'll let me know when she needs it back. 

blue-I have quite a few navy blue accents in my home, and my bedroom has a comfy chair and ottoman in a seaglass shade that I love. That particular shade of blue is in the rug and window treatments too. It's restful. 

5. Share a favorite quote, a verse of scripture, and/or a bit of wisdom for couples getting married in this challenging and seemingly unpredictable season we're currently/still experiencing. 

I wrote a whole series of posts on marriage when my oldest was engaged. It was the theme of my April A-Z challenge that year (2014) and you'll find the first one linked here. Times change, but my feelings about marriage remain pretty much the same...

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 

"Great marriages don't happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect, and a rock-solid commitment between a husband and a wife." Dave Willis

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Here comes the bride...

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 403

Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then jump back here tomorrow to share answers with the universe. See you there!

1. When were you last a guest at an event or in someone's home? Tell us about it. Do you enjoy having guests in your own home? 

2. What has you 'tied up in knots' currently or recently? Are you any good at tying actual knots? 

3. What's something you've been wanting to do and have decided 2021 will be the year you 'take the plunge'? 

4. Something in your home that's old? Something new? Something borrowed? Something blue? 

5. Share a favorite quote, a verse of scripture, and/or a bit of wisdom for couples getting married in this challenging and seemingly unpredictable season we're currently/still experiencing. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The Good Samaritan

Our Sunday School class has been studying the parables of Jesus and today we discussed the well known tale of The Good Samaritan. I think even most non-church goers are at least a little bit familiar with this one as it has been absorbed into our culture and our vocabulary. Love your neighbor. Put words into action. Do good without judgement or expectation of reward.

There has been a lot of talk of unity in recent days, or perhaps the lack thereof would be a more accurate statement, and I was thinking about that word as we talked this morning about loving our neighbor and what that means. Caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, practically helping those in need seems far easier right now than getting along with someone from an opposing political party who shouts, judges, and lectures you via their social media feed, doesn't it? 

In the same way we can't make someone volunteer in a food bank, donate to charity, or build houses for the homeless, we cannot demand unity simply by declaring that it must be. Unity cannot be dictated, and it's not something that magically happens because of a shift in political power.  

Unity is an action word. It requires intent. It means listening to people who say you're wrong and they're right and why can't you just see that you're wrong??? and that is hard. So hard. 

Of course we want to respond when we feel verbally attacked or belittled. We feel an almost primal urge to counter their words with words of our own. Tell them why they're wrong and we're right and we can prove it this very second with an article, meme or post of our own. 

In 2021 we seem unable to not engage. 

We can't put the genie back in the bottle so how do we get there? How do we cross the seemingly uncrossable chasm that's ruptured life in America? 

Maybe we can brainstorm here because I feel certain the answer doesn't lie with a committee, a body of elected officials, or the President of the United States. I think it's going to come from ordinary citizens who don't compromise their faith or their strongly held beliefs but who don't argue them to death either. 

It might even look like having coffee with a neighbor, from six feet away if you must, but still you have that coffee. 

It's definitely less words, which may seem hypocritical coming from someone with a blog, but I'm referring to angry, self-righteous words spewed carelessly across Facebook pages and twitter rants or sadly in some cases around holiday dinner tables. 

I think it will involve quiet examination of our own souls (no need to announce it to the world) and a whole lot less public dissection of the souls of others. Everybody's got a log in their eye that needs removing so maybe we start with our own?

It could mean deleting apps from our phones and demonstrating good old-fashioned restraint, something that used to be common but has most definitely fallen by the wayside in the last decade or so. 

It probably means making the hard but conscious decision to keep some of our opinions to ourselves, and for the love of all things holy to quit sharing every but!, but! but!...we want to share. 

I think it means we talk about the weather. I'm serious. The weather is rarely confrontational and we could do with less confrontation right about now. 

It's grabbing some tennis shoes or hiking boots, a swim suit or a pair of skis, and getting outside. Removing ourselves from the noise and everything else that distracts from the beauty of this earth. It's choosing to see, experience, and share the good more than we share our opinions about the bad. Call that naive, call it wearing rose colored glasses if you want, but getting along is going to involve letting go of some things we've held in our tightly clenched fists for a long time now. 

I know for certain an essential part of the way forward is prayer. For the ones you love and the ones you 'hate'. Maybe you don't pray and perhaps that sounds trite or cliche to you, but prayer changes hearts and minds, our own most of all. 

How about we try being verbal good samaritans and let's see if we can make that go viral. 

Happy New Hodgepodge

Here we are...rolling in to a brand new year. If you've answered this week's questions add your link at the end of my post. Then hop over and leave a comment for the blogger linking before you. Let's start the year off right!

1. What advice would you give yourself as we begin this new year? 

This Proverb (3:5-6) feels exactly right for me...'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.' 

2. If you could throw a themed party for yourself what would the theme be? 

How about an English tea? In England please. Once it's open I mean. And let's invite all the friends I used to have real English tea with to join the party, k? 

3. Tell us where you were and something about what life was like when you were 20- 21.

At ages 20-21 I was a college student in love with the beauty of East Tennessee and a mischievous boy who called the place home. I started dating hubs when I was 20, and that worked out well-ha! I also had a part time job as a waitress in a charming eatery in the town of Jonesborough Tennessee. Jonesborough has since become fairly famous for the huge storytelling festival held there each year, but back when I was 20 it was still a sleepy little town. 

4. What's on the menu at your house this week? 

A ginger-teriyaki salmon on the grill tonight,  a honey garlic chicken bowl tomorrow night, and that's as far as I've planned since I'm headed to the market tomorrow. I'll figure out another week's worth of meals before I shop. I know for sure there won't be pasta or anything heavy, fried, or swimming in cream because we have a wedding coming up fast and someone sampled a few too many Christmas cookies last year, ahem. 

5. What should you do more of this year? Less of? 

More exploring the history and natural beauty that's all around us 

Less scrolling

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

At the suggestion of my daughter I subscribed to Home Chef back when the pandemic started. She had tried several of the home meal services and this was her favorite. She sent me her code so I could try it, and I have to say hubs and I have both really enjoyed their meals. Normally we eat out at least once a week but with everyone staying home and not a lot of great take out options nearby the cooking (and I love to cook!) was wearing a bit thin. And maybe not so much the cooking as all that meal planning. 

Here are what I see as the pros...the packaging is wonderful, the produce super fresh, and the meat/fish high quality. No complaints. You're sent crystal clear step by step instructions and all ingredients are pre-measured. There's a wide variety of meals to choose from each week and you can substitute proteins easily if you prefer. We have not had a bad meal, and I save the recipe cards so we can recreate the ones we love. It's nice to know there are a couple of meals in the rotation that I don't have to plan or shop for, and you can skip weeks as needed. 

The cons...it's not inexpensive, but we're not eating out these days and it is definitely less than we spend eating out. There are minimums but we usually order two meals for two people and do that a couple of weeks each month. Some months I order more than that but there is flexibility. You do have to look at the calories as some are quite high, but I always find meals that work with the calories I want to spend.

If you are interested in giving it a try message me and I can send you a code to to try a box at a discounted rate. Also, this is not an ad...I just like Home Chef.  

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 402

Happy New Year Hodgepodgers! Here are the questions to this week's Wednesday link up. Answer on your own blog then hop back here tomorrow to share answers with the world wide webbers. See you there! 

1. What advice would you give yourself as we begin this new year? 

2. If you could throw a themed party for yourself what would the theme be? 

3. Tell us where you were and something about what life was like when you were 20- 21.

4. What's on the menu at your house this week? 

5. What should you do more of this year? Less of? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

A Post For The New Year

Hello 2021. We're all so glad to see you. We think? 

Do you make resolutions? Set goals? Create a list of things to do in the year that lies ahead? Does that exercise feel a little riskier than in year's past? We all want to peek around the corner, but we want someone else to go first and tell us it's going to be okay. 

Alrighty then. 

Me first.

It's going to be okay.

While this past year has felt different, harder, and more exhausting than most, the truth is we've never known what a brand new year would bring. We've never been able to see what's lurking beyond the bend or on the other side of a calendar page.

We make assumptions that the good in any particular year will far outweigh the bad and that sure, problems will arise but we know how to solve problems. No need to think too long or too hard about things we can't control because we can control things, right? 

Except last year. Whew. She was something, wasn't she? 

The hits just kept coming and the word 2020 became a synonym for anything awful, unexpected, or just plain ridiculous that occurred. And collectively I think we were a little bit shocked to discover we don't have a better handle on all the things. That we humans really don't know what might happen next, and it's possible for something to come out of left field and leave us reeling. 

Is the takeaway from 2020 that nothing can be known for sure? Counted on full stop? Be absolutely true?  

I'm going to say no. 
Let's not make that our takeaway. 

While the world, and our country in particular, continues to be in turmoil, while the virus continues to rage,  and while so much of what we've always counted on still feels just a little out of reach, this much I know is true-

God is still on His throne. 

There is never a day He is not in charge of the world He created. 

He has not changed or moved or lost His extraordinary interest in our lives, our heartaches, our disappointments, and our grief. 

He has not been surprised by one single solitary thing that transpired in the year 2020, and 2021 will bring Him no surprises either. 

He makes a way where we cannot see a way. 

And brings beauty to every season of our lives.  

I think we've given 2020 too much credit. Let's accept the gift of a brand new year with eyes wide open and hope in our hearts. Let's keep looking for the good and learning from the hard because never is a year just one or the other...

...not even 2020. 

'Teach us to number our days so we may have a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12