Reflections on 2020

Hi friends,

We all know 2020 was a difficult year. Covid 19 hit us fast and hard. There have been lockdowns, jobs lost, loss of contact with family and friends, terrible illness, and loss of loved ones.

Our family was one of the many to lose a loved one to this awful virus. My brother Keith passed away on November 22, 2020. He left us quickly and unexpectedly and my heart hurts that he’s no longer here. I miss his random texts. I miss his teasing me about my “southern” accent he thought I had acquired. I miss his checking to see if we were ok after bad weather hit our area – and this past year checking to see if we were still covid free. I miss his asking when we would be in Indiana – and his making sure we got back to Alabama safely.

One of my best memories of him is one I don’t think many know. We were in my Dad’s hospital room moments after Dad passed in 2015. I was in a chair with Keith standing next to me. As I was crying, he reached over and put his arm around me. I leaned my head against his hip and we just stayed that way for a while. I felt so close to him in those moments of shared pain. He was feisty, loved his wife fiercely, was a strong supporter of our Veterans, and did things his own way. No matter how old I get, he was always my big brother and I miss him!

When I look back at 2020, the loss of my brother is, of course, the first thing I think of. But when I look over the rest of the year, I remember that despite the pandemic…

We were able to get away to the beach and the mountains.

We were able to see our oldest godson marry the love of his life.

And we were blessed by family and friends in countless little ways all year long … an impromptu concert in our driveway, little gifts and flowers left at our front door, cards, texts, phone calls, zoom get togethers, prayers.

This bible verse has been in my heart much of 2020. John 16:33 from the Message translation…

33 I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

It’s been a rough year. But it hasn’t all been hard. There has been a lot of good, too. I’m moving into 2021 still hurting, but with hope! Because Jesus has conquered the world and He is walking this journey with me! ❤️

My prayer for 2021 is that you will find the grace and peace that Jesus offers and let him go along on your journey, too.