It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. Looking at my kids and how much they have grown over the past several months I am literally BLOWN away. That said, there is no shortage of hysterical memes talking about 2020 feeling like 26 years. It’s kind of like that “the days are long but the years are short” thing. This too shall pass.
In recent weeks, I’ve been reflecting on the events of 2020 and how memorable they might be. More so, I’ve thought about the parts for which I am incredibly grateful.
The book of James teaches that joy is not dependent on circumstances and neither is gratitude. We already have the greatest gift in Jesus. We truly need nothing else. For that I praise Him.
Personally, my friendships and community has grown stronger during these wild times. When busy slows down, intimacy between friends has a chance to flourish. I’ve experienced this in beautiful ways even in the chaos. For that I am grateful.
When times are challenging, relationships and communities either feel strain or grow. I’ve seen amazing things happen in both my church and my kids’ school this year. God is working to build community in ways I could have never imagined. For that I am grateful.
My family’s word of the year for 2020 is Roots. This is our 3rd year of choosing a word and each one has been used in amazing ways. This year proves no difference. We’ve dug deeper as a family of six, created a home in our “new” house, have fostered new and stronger relationships, dug deeper during hardships and feel closer to God than ever before. For these thing I am grateful.
I’m grateful for breaking chains, authentic friendships, resilience, and commitment. Look at these many gifts from the Lord! The ways He works in and through His followers has been so real for me in this season.
I’m grateful for belly laughs, sticky finger prints, pitter patter feet, 2nd grade crushes, climbing trees, sweaty heads and a house that’s always dirty and never quiet.
I’m also grateful for cinnamon gum, unsweet tea, bright nail polish, date nights, animal print, lifting weights and solo runs.
In this moment when it seems there is so much strife, anger and chaos, I’m grateful that we can rest in Him. For this I am grateful.
He holds the whole world in His hands. Thank you Lord for each and every gift.
- Coach Emily