Collectively the world is looking forward to a new year. With hopes of change, new beginnings, and health and safety at the forefront it’s understandable to want to ran toward midnight. But I want to pause, and take a moment to reflect an all that’s happen this year.
What we leave behind
Leaving this year in the rear view is bittersweet for me. Because this was the last year my last surviving grandparent was with us. Her lose has revived my feelings of loss of now, all my grandparents. I haven’t been a child for some years now, but her lose seemed to close the door to my childhood in a way I can’t quite explain. But I can’t forget all the special last moments we’ve shared with her either. From meals to conversation to watching my girls play in her room. Specifically when they played with her jewelry, which made her smile and worry all at once. These memories are ones I’m not willing to part with.
Change at home
This year has had a huge effect on what the workplace looks like. New rules and regulations have changed our surroundings almost rendering them unrecognizable. Yet, we have been abundantly blessed. On and off throughout this year my husband was able to work from home for the first time ever. This was major for our girls, because even though they weren’t able to be around him while he was on calls or having meetings, there was a peace in our home simply knowing he was here.
The biggest surprise
But this year I’m proud to say my children have showed me their ability to stay positive and not give into fear. Yes, they’re homeschooled, and to some that may seem to mean that this time hasn’t affected them at all. But on the contrary. Like many kids they’ve had to miss out an activities, and time with friends and family. It has changed the rhythm of not only our days, but our school year. Yet, through it all they have found joy to the simple things. Watching them has encouraged me, especially on days when I was struggling.
Day-to-day
More than anything this year has highlighted the everyday things we are all guilty of taking for granted. Health, safety, freedom, heck just being able to go run errands has become more challenging. But did you ever think that everyday you’ve been able to wake up in your home, with food, water, and other essentials should be a day worth celebrating. Yeah, I’ve had to work on that too. I’m thankful that materialism has been put in its place, though if I’m being completely transparent it has to be put in its place over and over again. I’ve been so happy to see friends and family post pictures of their time outdoors, or of them working on projects and other things that they may not have otherwise given their time to before. We’ve all had to live more simply, but is that really a bad things?
Going forward
In no way am I trying to minimize what people have and are continuing to go through. My heart has ached when reading or watching the news. But let us not despair. This year has been a wake up call for all of us. And though the message we’ve received will vary from person to person there is an undeniable call to change. And before we can expect to see it in the world we need to see it in ourselves. So, as we get ready to welcome another New Year I hope we collectively hold ourselves accountable. Asking how we can help, and be a blessing to others. Surely, this next year would be a good one if we all did just that.