Every year I like to reflect on the good, the bad, and what can be learned. I found this year to be a tougher year than most, but there was still plenty to learn about God, life, and love. Here we go.
My best day without God is still my worst day. I spent a lot of time this year in my head. Trusting my gut and listening to thought trains aren’t necessarily bad, but when I replace time alone with the God of the Universe, only trusting myself, things get bad fast.
The problem with doubt is it takes our focus off of what we can’t see (namely God and the work He is doing in our lives) and puts our focus on what we can see (which oftentimes runs opposite what God has said He would do/ who God said He is).
(Similar to number 2) Save time, take God at His Word.
(Similar to number 3) Believing in the promise of God is not optimism, it is the holding to a reality not yet seen, but it will arrive. Hoping for the best is not the same as expecting God to act.
We can experience sadness and hope at the same time.
A trip to New York City and Chicago can be fun with two under the age of 4. Just remember to pack lots of snacks and realistic expectations.
God withholds no good thing. This is probably the hardest lesson on this list because I am still learning it. In 2021 it felt like God was withholding a plethora of good things from Ashley and me, but I refuse to believe it. Trusting in the sovereignty and goodness of God may be the challenge of my life, but I want 2021 to be the year I chose to learn and believe that God is good. God is sovereign. God is for me. God withholds no good thing.
I also wrote this little manifesto in 2021, and after re-reading it 8 months later, I’m proud of it. Maybe you need to hear it too. Check it out below:
Dear you,
Who you are on your worst day is not the sum of who you are.
Repeat that sentence to yourself as much as you like, because it is the truth. Deal kindly with yourself, for who you are is enough. You are not too much, you are not too little, you are enough. Who told you differently? Who sold you the lie that you won’t make the grade? You were made for this life. You were made for today.
And just as you were made for this life, so also you were not made to do it alone. Love people. Love them, but don’t allow their love to define your worth. Show grace. Give grace to the people who forget you are a person too. Have confidence because loving yourself is the key to loving people.
In your failure (or your perception of such) keep moving. In your weakness (or your perception of such) keep looking up. Disappointment, because there is always a chance for it. This is okay; you are free regardless. So be free. Walk a little lighter. Shame, because it’s necessary to call it what it is. You are not alone in this. Wipe the sweat from your brow and breathe. If you can stand again, it’s not over. Gratitude, because this life does not begin and end with you, the pressure is off. Good days are ahead. Acknowledge the sun, for it has risen whether you can see it or not. This is where faith comes in.
Congratulations,
you are here. You are needed.
You are loved. Let that be the answer.
-L