2020 Reflections

Like many of you, I struggle to put words to this past year. I wonder, if years from now we’ll have all sorts of new catchy phrases to describe this “era” of 2020 — “the year that must not be named.”

Yet in all seriousness, over the last year, routines changed, plans were put on hold, and certain expectations… shattered. Rocky waves of tension continually flood our schools, neighborhoods, social circles, and political conversations. The year 2020 and all its uncertainties, disappointments, fears, and confusion has been a messy one, to say the least!

For me, 2020 has certainly been a struggle. I’ve wrestled with hard questions and have struggled in many ways to adapt to this new way of life. I sense tension in places where I previously felt peace, social gatherings have become tricky, and my body has developed a strong aversion to Zoom calls…. can anyone relate?

Yet this year has also been a year full of unexpected blessings, new lessons, and refining moments. As I reflect on the different challenges I’ve faced, and the challenges we, as a society, have collectively endured, this phrase keeps coming to mind: “and God made a way...”

As we move through this Advent season, let’s consider together the beautiful way this year will end…. with God making a way. For 2020 and all its struggles will culminate into a story that we tell over and over again each Christmas — the story of baby Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, reflecting a glorious picture of embodied hope. As this year ends, we celebrate a story where God’s work begins.

As you reflect on this past year and all its chaos and confusion, may you also remember that this isn’t the end. God makes a way through the mess, and in Him, there is redemption.

For this month’s practice, I invite you to make space for the hard feelings of this year, grieving any losses or disappointments, while reflecting on the year as a whole through lenses of grace. I encourage you to consider any gifts from this past year, even ones that you haven’t fully opened or understand. I’m confident we’ll all walk away from this year with one special present, and that’s the gift of resilience.

Practice:

Consider these questions as you practice reflecting on 2020:

What have been three sources of suffering from 2020?
What are three gifts, or glimpses of God’s grace?
Where do you see resilience building in your life?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

This year has been hard, really hard.

Help us to hold space for the individual and collective challenges we’ve endured, while continuing to process them in ways that demonstrate love for one another, and honor you. Provide continual guidance for us as we learn to navigate next steps in a world that still feels so chaotic and tense.

As we reflect on this past year, bring to mind glimpses of your grace. Remind us of all the times you made a way in our lives through times of darkness and uncertainty.

During this Advent season, we celebrate the gift of you, Jesus, coming down to this earth and making a way through the mess. As we wrap up this year, may we remember that our “ends” tend to be your “beginnings.” Through this season, continue to nurture the gift of resilience in our lives, and help us hold fast to your truths and presence. For as David once said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Remind us each day to cling to your comfort.

Amen.

What are some of your 2020 reflections? I’d love to hear your thoughts or comments below 🙂