I say to you 2020 - Good bye.
As I look back I think of this excerpt from Tale of Two Cities - It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way..... (Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens)
Oh, how the world turned in 2020 - wanting to maneuver our every mood, our every step. There were some things we could control, others - we could not.
2020 - A crazy person pulled a gun on my husband. Thankfully, God (and Caleb) intervened, and my husband wasn't shot in the chest at close range, where the assailant aimed. It was a trying and difficult time on our lives, in our marriage, but through it all, we remain steadfast, and have grown closer to each other and in our Lord. 2020...your evil schemes and lies didn't and won't win. 2020 - I am so blessed that my husband is still here.
2020 my best buddy Griz moved to heaven to be with Caleb. I hated that he got sick. But, I was glad he could be home. Griz passed in his sleep across the room from where we were sitting. I know he would have loved having me home 24/7 and I would have loved it, too. I didn't like that he had to pass, but 2020...he was too good for you.
We were blessed to receive Caleb's Honor and Remember Flag in a ceremony by the Earps, in our home. Erik Loyd and his mom and grandmother (from California!) were able to be here during the presentation. It was perfect.
We were able to attend the Run for the Fallen in Colorado Springs - Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy. Hearing Caleb's name being spoken along with so many others was so special. Being able to visit with some Gold Star Families was great.
2020 was definitely unprecedented. It was different, trying and frustrating at times. Through it all, there is One who remained steadfast - One who maintained a constant Truth in life. Jesus - the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
I know in our home, priorities have changed. Things that were thought of as important, no longer matter. Funny, that it was during the 'shutdown' that we stopped watching tv (well, when I think about it, it makes sense considering what was on!)
Oh, 2020, you came in and shook everything up all around the world. There was a hush that brought us to our knees. Our normal way of living was interrupted. Schedules and lifestyles and calendars were lost in confusion of the unknown.
But, in all of this, Jesus is still Lord. There is nothing that can separate us from His love. Forces of darkness and confusion can try to come, but He is the Light that overcame the darkness over 2000 years ago when He died on the cross and rose again on the third day.
Lord, You are Who is most important. You impressed on my heart over and over - II Chronicles 7:14. Humility. Repentance. Turning to You with all our hearts. KNOWING that You would hear, forgive, restore and heal.
Here we are.
2020. Your chapter is over.
Welcome 2021. We are prepared. We continue to pray. There is a trumpet call. A call for prayer and repentance around the world that continues to sound.
2021. A new beginning. A new era. We know the best is yet to come.
2021. Stay humble before the Lord Jesus. Seek His face daily. Walk in His Truth. Wait on Him and be still before Him. Praise Him for every blessing. Be not weary, but be diligent. Armor up everyday. Look to Him in all things and lean not to your own, or man's understanding!
Live each the moment.
We are here for such a time as this.
I leave you with these thoughts -
In 2021 may you see angels dancing across your ceiling, praising God for His victorious, living Word in your life- and may you witness warring angels airing on your behalf in the difficult areas of life. In 2021, may the sun shine brighter on difficult days, may hope reign in your heart o matter how things may look. In 2021, may that child way deep inside you, come out to play more often, and may childlike faith rise up in your heart. In 2021 may you think happy thoughts so you can fly above the things that try to keep you down. In 2021, may you recognize the beauty that is always around you, and in you. Be blessed. @dianehomm.2021
