As the year comes to a close, I am led to do as I do every year around this time, reflect. Of course, I reflect throughout the year, but during this time I am especially compelled to reflect on the events of the year—good, bad and indifferent—to prepare for the new year.
I reflect on lost loved ones, expanded opportunities, conquered challenges, and failed attempts. I reflect on it all. I do this because I believe there are blessings and lessons in everything we experience in life. EVERYTHING.
This year has been particularly interesting. We continue to live through the COVID-19 pandemic, fight for racial justice, mourn the losses of loved ones, celebrate monumental moments, and adjust to work and play on virtual platforms. All this in an election year.
What I know for sure, though, is that nothing happens by accident or chance. Everything happens in divine order, 2020 included. My biggest take-a-way from 2020 is what Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, there with to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am structed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need”
CONTENTMENT
This has been my lesson for 2020 and is what I will carry with me into 2021. Contentment. This year has reminded me that the only constant in life is change. It has taught me that, whatever is going on around me, I must remain steadfast and anchored in my higher power, God. I understand that my joy cannot be attached to my situation.
What this does not mean is that there won’t be times of mourning and sadness. What it does mean is I recognize that not only will these moments come, but also these moments will pass. All moments pass, good ones too. That is impermanence. That is life.
My prayer for you is that you will find peace, love, and hope this holiday season and beyond.
Be well,
Christie A. Cruise, PhD
Comments