2020...A Reflection and Perspective

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV.

During these last few days and hours of 2020 I have been reflecting a lot about the things that have gone on in this last year both personally and historically, and what I hope for in the next revolution around the sun. I can reflect on God's goodness and mercy as my family and I have been extended mercy and grace regarding this virus business. I know, that I know, that I know, God has provided immensely for my family. I can rest in God's sovereignty and His plan for this country, regardless of what side of the political line I agree with or don't. Why? Because just as King Solomon reflected, there is a time, a season, a plan that we are part of in a greater and grander story. Solomon says, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man." Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 ESV. Regardless of what 2020 has looked like as a whole, God has made life to be beautiful for His creation, for His Children.

My nephew watching the train go around the tree

Sometimes I think when we focus on the "bad", we give more attention to that rather than to the "good" or the things we should be grateful for (read the post of gratefulness from November). The perception of what I feel God wants us to take from this year of backward/forward thinking and chaotic media attention is that HE is calling our attention to HIM. On days when I would focus on those things that would make me fearful, anxious, or angry I tended to be meaner to my family, avoided checking in on friends, or ate my feelings. When I focused on Him and Who He has been in my life from the day I said "Yes to Jesus", then I had more joy, felt at peace, and worried less. "I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away." Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 ESV. The word "fear" doesnt mean to be afraid or scared but to give God reverence and awe, and deservedly so. God seeks us because we have been driven away - by disappointment, fear, hate, technology, self-service.

I know I am guilty of having "been driven away" by life, fear, discontentment, or loss. 2020 should be that wake up call to all of us who call ourselves "Believers" and "Children of God". We should be leaning on Him more and more not just in 2021 but always. As I reflect on these last 366 days (leap year), I feel this has been the beginning of the "wake up" to us and giving an extra call to those who may not know or follow Jesus and regardless of what people think none of the events in 2020 has taken God by surprise. Solomon in all the wisdom God gave him also understood he was but a page in the story God has written for humanity and we all have the ability to opt out or buy in - I have chosen to buy in because I have lived the opt out. Last night during one of my nightly bicycle rides I witnessed a beautiful full moon rise. I stopped to take a picture but my efforts were useless as my phone is not state of the art nor are my photography skills. But it was in that moment I began to think about perspective and reflection as I looked down at the picture I took and looked up at that beautiful full moon. If we could see the big picture rather than looking at the one frame then we may find the beauty in 2020. So I ask you to reflect and find a perspective that is God focused because regardless of what 2021 brings, God will be and has already been there.

Happy New Year

and as always

~ Warrior On!