In 2020...
I know 2020 has been a doozy, an emotional rollercoaster, and has felt like three years rolled into one. However, I want to give you a fresh perspective on this year as I look back and process everything about it. As I went through the depths of 2020 I had vacations ripped out from under me, I went through a job transition, I knew people who lost their jobs, and people who were affected by COVID on a small scale. 2020 has messed with all of us in some way or another. We can still radiate joy. We can still find joy in the Lord even when the world is a hot mess. We can still choose JOY no matter the circumstances and as I sit back and process the last 11 months, I can’t help but to smile. This year had so many GOOD things despite COVID and an election year. I’m writing a list of things that brought me joy this year, but nothing on that list will ever compare to the joy Christ alone brings when I truly seek him.
Things that brought me joy in 2020:
Falling deeper in love with Jesus and who he made me to be
Writing my first devotional
Seeing friends and family on a smaller more intimate scale
Countless at-home date nights with my main man
Workout group every Saturday morning with girls from my church
Being able to financially bless more non-profits this year
Celebrating three of our favorite couples getting married in the middle of a pandemic
Taking my best friend back home to my parents
A random getaway to a farm in the middle of Missouri with our best friends
Countless game nights with my parents
Facetime dates with my in-laws
House projects getting completed
Thanksgiving with my family is still happening
Christmas with my family is still happening
Birthday parties in the backyard
Finding new hobbies
A new job with coworkers I adore
Working out with my husband almost every day
Walking over 100 miles this year with my family
Backyard pool days with an inflatable pool my husband bought me
This is just scratching the surface of tangible memories. The greatest joy of 2020 was seeing God work in and through me. He has molded me this year more than ever and I can’t thank him enough. I know this year was hard. I know this year isn’t over yet and I know the problems 2020 brought don’t end when 2021 begins, but I do know God remains the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. Stay close to him and you’ll find joy in the most unexpected places and in the smallest things….I can promise you that.
Xoxo,
Rachel Marie
