As I look to embrace 2021, I can’t help but reflect back on 2020. For so many, this has been a horrible year, and my heart goes out to each and everyone of you who have lost someone, their job, or are struggling in anyway. I truly feel your pain and lift you in prayer. I wish I could wrap you in a hug and tell you someone cares. Because I do.
For me, words could never express my gratitude for how blessed I have been. I can only thank God that this year’s drama has barely touched me and my family. There have been hardships, but nothing we couldn’t face.
I have missed hugging my family, even for a non-hugger like me that has been hard. I know when this is over I am hugging each of them the way my mother hugged. So, be warned an overwhelming hug is coming.
Missing Easter, birthday dinners, and everyone together for Thanksgiving and Christmas has been sad, but missing someone for a few get-togethers is better than a lifetime, of missing them. Other than my heart aching over the loss of a dear friend, covid has barely touched my circle, a few scares but we have made it safely into the New Year. I pray for my family and those reading this that God continues to keep His wall of protection around us.
I’m 65 and relatively healthy, but the threat of covid knocking on the door is real. The weak lungs I inherited from my mother’s side of the gene pool, upped the risk factor, so I have pretty much stayed home. I can count on one hand the times I have entered a store since March. Which means I am home ninety-eight percent of the time staring at all the clutter I have collected over the years. So, I have started slowly but surely to rid my house of it. I assure you, this will take more than a stay-at-home order from the Governor to get this feat done. I know that somewhere up in the attic is my megaphone from when I was a cheerleader, along with every book I have owned since birth. Well, maybe not from birth but elementary school. Can you believe that my grandkids had no interest in reading the Bobbsey Twins? I am not a hoarder, she protests a little too loudly. Every item leaving this house either as trash, or recycling is a win. Don’t worry the books are staying, maybe my great-grandkids will want them. But maybe the 8-track tapes will go. Today January 1, I pick up where I left off when I started baking for Christmas. Sorry kids, cookies trump purging any day.
I have made enough cookies to feed an army, that’s what happens when you try to find the perfect recipes. Who knew that my mother’s oatmeal raisins are still the best? Which brings me to another plus this year, I have renewed my admiration for my mother. Anyone that can make cut-out cookies with 13 grandkids needs a medal of honor. I assure you there were no cut-out cookies coming from my oven. Maybe another time. I did get to enjoy baking with my daughter and both granddaughters, at different times. My oldest granddaughter Lillian and I made our first pumpkin roll and Tres leches cake. They were amazing. Then my daughter Sarah and granddaughter Willow came before Christmas to made cookies. We only made five different kinds that evening. I was worn out, and once again wondered how my mother did it.
I also had the joy of having a tea party with both of my granddaughters during the summer. I do need to find a fun safe activity to do with my grandson. I have missed spending time with Jack.
This past year, I have been able to work from home, giving me an extra four hours a day, and let’s not even count the money I have saved in gas. I have published another book, read 77 others. And the icing on the year was on December 31, I won 1st place in Xulon-The Christian Author Awards, Christian Fiction category. Talk about ending the year on a high note.
This year more than ever I am looking forward to a bright new future. One free of deadly viruses, and stay-at-home orders. One where I once again can embrace my family. If 2020 has taught me anything it is the value of each moment shared with those I care about. We have weathered the storm of 2020, become stronger and hopefully wiser in our journey. As we say good-bye to 2020, let’s not dwell on the obstacles we faced, but on the knowledge that we made it, no matter how tough it might have been.
As we stand on the crest of 2021 I hope for each of you a year full of love, acceptance, forgiveness, and good health. May you reach the pinnacle of 2021 with a smile on your face and the joy of sharing kindness with those around you. May God keep you in his loving arms every step of the way. Happy first day of an awesome New Year.