At this time last year, we couldn’t wait for 2020 to end. It had been such a strange, challenging season of our lives. We couldn’t wait for the bright sparkles promised with 2021. Then when COVID continued to rage, our hopes faded. We sighed with regret as vacations got cancelled, supply chain issues kept essentials from our retail shelves, and our favorite businesses closed.
While the past two years have been beyond frustrating, I truly believe God has placed us in the midst of this chaos to turn our eyes toward Him. I’d like to share a verse with you that has helped me remember that God’s in control and has blessed me.
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.”
— Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)
When I drop into despondency (and I excel at pity parties), I’ve learned to stop and count my blessings. Following are my top five blessings of 2021.
- My mother had a stroke Oct. 10 on the day of my book launch party. I had to cancel the Zoom call mere hours before the online gathering. Praise God, Mom is okay. The stroke left her with a few memory issues, but it could have been a whole lot worse. We could have lost her. She now lives only 15 minutes away from me in an assisted living facility, instead of 45—a true blessing.
- Other than Mom’s stroke, my immediate family and close friends remained healthy.
- My family has remained gainfully employed. My daughter scored an awesome new job, my son-in-law got promoted, and my son nailed another semester of straight As in college.
- We live in a high-tech age, so supply chain issues haven’t affected the publishing industry as much as others. This means readers can download my ebook with ease.
- I gleefully watched the Atlanta Braves win the World Series and the Georgia Bulldogs enter the playoffs. Our state needed some good news after making national headlines with voting confusion, racially motivated shootings, riots, and record COVID cases.
I’m looking forward to 2022. Even with the Omicron variant blanketing our cities, I believe that the new year holds promise for all of us. Here are the things I’m hoping will happen:
- God’s people will return to church and spread the word of His love.
- My husband and I will be able to enjoy the overseas vacation that has been canceled twice.
- My family will remain happy and healthy.
- I’ll finish writing another book.
- The Georgia Bulldogs will win the National Championship.
What blessings are you counting from 2021? And what are you looking forward to in 2022?
Happy New Year!