Wow, December went by so fast it’s hard to believe we’re almost ready to ring in the new year. But before we do, on New Year’s Eve day I usually make time to think back over the past year. Considering circumstances and special events helps me figure out some goals for the future. Perhaps some of these thoughts will help you process how far you’ve come over the past year and how you want to move forward into 2022.

Looking Back on Sorrow and Joy

The year 2021 started with a violent insurrection at the Capitol. Over the next 12 months, a battle raged between masks/no masks, vaccine/no vaccine and booster shots. It’s intensity has disrupted family relationships and long-term friendships (although thankfully not mine). In my opinion, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan epitomized our government’s incompetence and shamed America even further. Lack of strategic planning resulted in the deaths of 13 honorable service members–most in their twenties, some whose families live near me.  Not only did that withdrawal kill some of my neighbors’ kids, it put countless friends of America at risk of being tortured or killed by the Taliban. That included women and children. A lack of consideration for consequences cast that nation into extreme poverty so devastating that some are selling one of their children to buy food for the others. Maybe we should have withdrawn–that’s a decision beyond my ability. But to allow our enemies to dictate terms was ridiculous in my civilian eyes. In our own country, the devastation of the catastrophic Kentucky tornado swath tore through my heart, and I can only hope and pray it stirs many to contribute to relief aid. Rather than turn a blind eye to the big picture, we must choose by our actions to be people who care enough to make a difference.

On a personal level, although I suffered one of the most traumatic events of my life in 2021, in this post I’d rather focus on how much I accomplished this year. In the fall, my vision for The Windblown Girl: A Memoir about Self, Sexuality, and Social Issues was completed as the book’s graphic designer and I finally uploaded files to Amazon. During the month of November, almost a hundred of my friends and family celebrated the book’s release both as a paperback and as an e-book. Along with the reality of seeing my book in print came precious truths that brought additional purpose and meaning into my life.

Although I wanted to give up many times, several of my dearest friends helped me persevere. A previous blog post describes how they kept me going and celebrated my victory with me. But what I didn’t expect was how exhausted I’d feel after the celebrations concluded. And, that led into the unexpected month of December and a battle with a virus no one seems to be talking about. Yet my inability definitely deepened the significance of Christ at Christmas in a way that will last into 2022 and beyond.

Looking Back on My Defeat

Despite not being bed-ridden, this wicked virus (not COVID) kept me home for over two weeks. It zapped all my energy. Although I had two previously published Christmas magazine articles I intended to adapt for this blog, my brain wouldn’t function enough to put them together. Instead I slept, shopped online, and did as little as possible. My exhilaration after the book’s launch deteriorated into a zombie-induced state. Rather than being a vibrant author writing brilliant discussion questions as I’d intended, I became listless, wooden, reduced to nothingism. I didn’t even watch television or read books. I simply existed in a rather mindless state.

Have you ever been there? Tried as hard as you could until you couldn’t try anymore? Failed to keep going when you really wanted to? Unable to meet your own expectations?

Looking Back on Christmas

A sense of inadequacy makes the meaning of Christmas infinitely more powerful. Absolutely wonderful. Filled with unspeakable joy. When Jesus left heaven to enter our dark world, He didn’t give us a “to-do” list.  In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul reminds us of Christ’s purpose:

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

What good news for someone who is sick and tired! When we try our best and just can’t do enough, Jesus is there. He’s light in a dark world, one rampant with Covid and Afghanistan, poverty and devastation. When we’re lost and don’t know what to do next, He’s the Way forward and loves to illuminate our path if we’ll but trust Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that we should:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

What about you? Was 2021 a good year for you? Or hard? Have you been going at warp speed just trying to keep up or to make a difference? Maybe it’s time to rest–before you get sick. Rest is good. So is taking the time to see how Jesus has entered into your world. If He hasn’t, all you need to do is ask Him to come into your life and save you from your sins. Then spend some time getting to know Him in 2022. His name is Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Prince of Peace. He’s the best friend you could ever have.