Breaking the Mold

The year 2020 was the year of “breaking the mold” for many people. I’ve heard people hoping that things would go back to “normal” in 2021 but I don’t imagine that is possible. Instead, let’s consider what got shaken up in our lives and how do we want the pieces to settle in the upcoming year.

The Peel

I can’t officially give 2020 credit for breaking the mold of our family household because Ben moved in at the end of 2019. However, with everything closing, we suddenly had nowhere to take him. So, the routine of being active and on the go, crashed to the ground and shattered into tiny pieces. Ben is also an active person, so he had to learn to stay home and sit down a lot. And since he couldn’t be left alone, either my husband or I had to be home with him.

One of my favorite things to do is to host internationals. For years, we have welcomed students into this country, given them temporary housing, rented rooms for a semester, led Bible discussion groups, shared meals, and acted as conversation partners. We have come to know many wonderful people from around the world as a result. Yet, these practices paused in 2020 as the pandemic prevented people from gathering in person. Even as restrictions lifted, it was still difficult for us to host as Ben was too confused to handle it.

Another routine that was broken was that of going to church. Prior to the pandemic, our week consisted of attending the large church on Sundays and in-home bible studies on Thursdays. We saw mostly the same people from week to week. But like everyone else, 2020 forced us to convene via video chat or find ways to meet socially distanced.

The Fruit

Though our routines and interests were rudely interrupted by COVID19, what fruit has come from each disruption and what do we want to see next year?

I learned to be quiet, pray, and read. Having nowhere to go meant that I spent more time talking and listening to God than I did serving him. I hadn’t realized how driven I was to serve at the expense of relationship. So, in 2020, as you know from my previous blog entries, I learned a lot about myself and about my God. I hope to maintain my quiet time with the Lord as I become more active in the coming year.

I learned to be content with current relationships. Instead of constantly meeting new people, I frequently video chatted with old friends. Some friendships were rekindled after being paused for many years. In the past, I assumed that we needed to meet in person so it happened on rare occasions. But now, I feel more comfortable meeting on-line. I hope to continue this, too, as personal contact increases.

Meeting on Zoom has not been nearly as satisfying as meeting in person. However, it did make it extremely easy for new people to join the discussions because they could join in the comfort of their own homes. On several occasions, we even had guests join from other states and other countries. I have heard that God’s good news is rapidly spreading to all parts of the world as a result of more people having to communicate via computer. People who have never had a chance to be free from fear are finally hearing about heaven, the hope of Jesus, and how much God loves them.

I feel like the list could continue on. I have learned that when bad things happen we can expect something good around the corner. I hope this blog has been a blessing to you this past year. You have certainly been a blessing to me as you have read and responded to my entries. I wish you all the very happiest of new years as you peel away the outer crusts and reveal the fruit inside.

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Instead your hearts are filled with sadness because I have said these things to you. But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you.

John 16:6-7

I tell you the solemn truth, you will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy. When a woman gives birth, she has distress because her time has come, but when her child is born, she no longer remembers the suffering because of her joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

John 16:20-22