This past Christmas, our holiday card simply stated, 2020 . . . What a year!
What else was there to say? Family and friends were/are still worrying about the spread of the coronavirus and what 2021 might look like. Will they return to the office? Can they make ends meet now that someone in their household lost their income? Will the kids be okay after bouncing between the classroom and home?
Some people will embrace this new year with enthusiasm and joy.
—others with disparagement and doubt.
Whatever camp you find yourself in, these words apply:
This year, my Reflections will continue to be about reading, books, writing, past travels, dreams of future travels, and the amazing people I meet along the way.
I don’t usually make New Years resolutions, but this year I vow to be more joyful, grateful, and hopeful.
Joyful—A joyful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22. Timothy Keller says, “While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, foreseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.”
Grateful—for the people in my life who are there when I need them most. Grateful for a mother I was privileged to know and love for seventeen short years.
Hopeful—for 2021 and the experiences that await me and my family— the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Are you feeling joyful, grateful, and hopeful?
That is my prayer for you this new year.
Yes, I am choosing to be joyful, grateful and hopeful. I know that I cannot depend on my feelings to go along with this resolve. I depend on HIM. Yes, I am weak, but HE is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me.
Amen!
Yep. It can be about the journey, even if I don’t leave my own house . . . or even my own head. I’m grateful to be afforded the passport to some intriguing locales.
Joyful. Kimberlee, to drag you along sometimes.
Always a joy to go on one of your journey’s, Eric. Excited and hopeful for more!