2020 Was My Year

So many hard things have happened this year… but happy things have happened too. I feel inclined to focus on some of those things as this year ends and a new one approaches. 

Here are some things that made my year-

Right before COVID shook up my year, I interviewed for a job and did not get it. I ended up on a new team that quickly became like a second family and teaching a new grade that I quickly found I loved.

I had to switch to virtual teaching seemingly overnight. I learned SO many things about my students and myself. I value and treasure my classroom differently. 

I gained the quarantine 15 and felt like a busted can of biscuits. I took on the 75 Hard Challenge with my husband. We lost over 100 lbs together and ended the challenge healthier and happier. 

I couldn’t see my friends or go to church. Facetime and phone conversations became newfound fun for my normally “text-only” self.

I spent weeks locked in my house teaching 60 students AND my own 4 kids. This time together led to a diagnosis for one of my kids that was affecting his learning. Had I not had this time with him, it would have taken a lot longer to see. 

I was at times lonely, overwhelmed, and insecure. I leaned in and grew exponentially in my spiritual life. 

I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. I’ve snuggled my kids tight and I’ve hidden from them too.

I’ve learned to smile with my eyes because… masks.. and that Instacart saves me a ton of money… because no aisle browsing.

The list of hard and happy goes on and on. For me and for you.

People in my extended family have lost loved ones, broke bones, had surgeries, and even gotten arrested.

But, here we are. Making it through. 

Tired. But making it through.

Head high, shoulders back, and making it through. 

For me, 2020 has been about grit.

Honesty with myself.

Finding joy despite circumstance.

Doing hard things and choosing to rejoice.

Celebrating growth.

Slowing down.

Re-racking priorities. 

Learning. Growing. Trying new things.

My life is NOT perfect, it’s a messy mess of imperfect progress. 

BUT-

I can see God in all the hard things and the happy moments. 

As Christmas quickly closes in and we all rush to get 2020 over with, I would challenge each of you to think through what you’ve been through this year. 

Can you see God in all your things?

What brought you joy?

What did you learn?

How did you grow?

Sit, reflect, and celebrate.
There is still time to make 2020 your year.