Sunday, January 3, 2021

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

13 comments:

  1. So well said, Joyce. Thank you for putting it all so succinctly. Yes. And God is always in control. He knows the beginning, the middle, and the end. He knows the what, when why, where and how. We just have to trust in Him. Thank you!! xo

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  2. Amen and amen. Moving forward into a new year with the Lord!

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  3. You always “nail” it! Such much truth here! Let’s all keep smiling and going forth!

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  4. God gives us his gift of nature - and if we sit quietly, look and listen, then today is marvelous!

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  5. Hi Joyce - I have never commented on your posts, although I have been following you for a few years now. I am not a blogger myself, so I'm not sure that bloggers are interested in non-blogger's comments. That being said, I really do enjoy your blog and getting to know you and your family. I learned about your blog I believe through Estelle's and/or the Preppy Empty Nester's blogs. I, too, have two grown daughters, and now have four grandsons, so I have especially enjoyed meeting your daughters and grandsons through your blog. Please keep doing what you are doing and sharing with the rest of us. The beauty of your lake house life and your talent with words and self expression are truly a joy for me to read!

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    1. Thanks so much Connie! I have non-blogging friends who comment here regularly or via Facebook so no worries there. I love reading comments 😊 Happy new year!

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  6. Yes, this is right on! Not only does the Lord have everything under control, but He carries His children in the palm of His hand. He lights a path for our feet and He is our rear guard! Love this!

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  7. You definitely have a way with words Joyce. Thanks for putting a positive spin on all of this.

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  8. Good post, Joyce. You are so right. Your use of photography illustrated your points well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

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  9. Your pictures are gorgeous and your message on point this morning!! Happy New Year!

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  10. Well said Joyce and thank you for the positive thoughts as we move into 2021!

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  11. Amen! Beautiful post Joyce. Take care, stay well and God Bless You.

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