“Out with the old and in with the new.”
A familiar turn of phrase, to be sure. The idea of a refresh and restart, sparkling and new, has a certain allure.
Many saw 2020 as the worst year ever and are rushing towards 2021 as if a new year will solve all the problems and concerns. And though I would agree that 2020 has had its challenges and frustrations, I want to encourage you to find the silver lining in it. Our circumstances shouldn’t dictate our attitude and happiness, but rather our faith in God. He is our rock and the source of our joy.
2020 doesn’t deserve the credit for being a trying or lousy year – don’t give it that importance. But rather, focus on all that God has provided and given to you! Yes, there have certainly been trying times – unknowns and concerns beyond what we anticipated – but God has been with us through it all and He will continue to be!
Refresh
So let’s refresh our view of 2020. I hate to break it to you, but I anticipate that curious times are still ahead of us. But instead of setting our affections on things returning to normal, we can determine to search out things for which to be grateful.
Let’s begin with discarding the mindset that 2020 has just been a lousy year. Get rid of that attitude! Instead, consider what you’ve liked about this past year. Pretend it was a year like any other. Search for the good, the breakthroughs, the pleasant surprises and other positive things. What were some of your highlights?
Have you made notes about your year? Go back and read them. Sometimes we forget the triumphs we have celebrated and looking back can remind us of them again!
Restart
As you go through photos or read through notes you’ve made, find the good, celebrate the positive! Perhaps it is simply picture upon picture of your little ones – someday you will look back on those days with a heart full of gratitude to have been able to spend so much time with them. Or perhaps you’re like me and just found a note about finishing a work project. That project was enormous and there were days I really wondered if it would ever be complete! And here I am six months later having forgotten that it is complete and done!
Don’t waste or overlook your victories! They are the fuel that will keep a bit of pep in your step! There is always – and I do mean always – a silver lining to every cloud. God never forsakes His people and His love never fails! True, we may have trying days, but we must renew our strength and claim the promises He has given us!
Encourage One Another
We must remember to encourage each other, to build one another up! The simplest word or piece of encouragement can brighten another’s day. And did you know, one of the best things to do when you are feeling low is to let another person know how grateful you are for them?! Not only does that simple kindness bless them, but it blesses you too!
So before you partake in any more conversations – or even self-absorbed thoughts – about 2020, remember the old adage “out with the old and in with the new.” Fill your mind and your mouth with victory and gratitude!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. What are your goals for 2021? I’ve been working on finetuning mine!