2020: A Year In Review

December 31, 2020

2020: A Year In Review

While it’s probably safe to say that mostly everyone is ready to say sayonara to 2020, I feel as though I need to stop and reflect.

If I learned anything from “teacher college”, it is that a good educator takes the time to reflect and ponder on the things that went well and the things that did not go so well in a lesson. Leading the way to improvement the next time. After all, no matter who you are, there is always room for improvement.

2020 may have been the year I’ve learned the most about what not to do. It’s true. I’d love to say I have some major epiphany that lead me to some awesome revelation, but honestly it has been a lot of palm slaps to the forehead. A lot of “What’s wrong with me”; “ I can’t believe I did that again”; and “Will I ever get it right?”

Now a good reflection, mind you takes into account the good and the bad. And while I had plenty of bad as did most, I’m sure. I had a lot of good too.

Let me elaborate using one of my favorite books.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs‬ ‭18:24‬

Reflection #1: I don’t have to be friends with everyone. Something I’ve tried to do for as long as I remember, ultimately failing because it’s just flat out impossible to accomplish that. But I can have that one friend who I confide in, laugh with, talk with, and just be myself with; whose always there no matter what; and who is like family.

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:11‬

Reflection #2: 2020 could be called “The year of people being so easily offended.” Perhaps if we all gained a little patience we would see the glory gained by being quiet and having a forgiving heart.

“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.” Proverbs‬ ‭15:17‬

Reflection #3: Big things do not equal achievement; most often they equal discontentment, especially when love is absent. Pretty faces and ugly hearts are unfortunate. Small acts of service done in love are priceless.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John‬ ‭10:10‬

Reflection #4: So many battles going on this year. People vs. people, day in and day out. Distraction after distraction, losing focus. I’m reminded that isn’t how it’s supposed to be. Life is there and it is full; we just have to open up our eyes and see it.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;” Romans‬ ‭5:3‬

Reflection #5: So many have lost this year, but I’m reminded through this that there is still glory throughout it all. Because when we make it to the other side, we carry along with us something we didn’t have before. Perseverance to help us or someone else along the way for the rest of our journey.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬

Reflection #6: His plans are for me and they are good. End of story.