Well, friends we almost made it to 2021! I know we have been waiting for it to be over. Having 2020 in the books and behind us will be a good thing, and yet 2020 has given us an abundance. Today, my friend Leslie who blogs at Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After is teaming up with me to host a link-up about 20 from 2020. What did 2020 give us, teach us, change us? Whatever that looks like, I feel as though it was an abundance of something. An abundance of what depends on how you look at it.
Scripture says in John 10:10 ~
A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
Sometimes abundance comes in goodness and sometimes it’s trouble. 2020 may have brought both…here’s what it brought to me. The good, the bad and the ugly.
The good:
- My friend Carrie opened up her home to my husband and me when we returned to Texas. We spent almost 10 months living with her. It was a sweet time!
- I have a job I really enjoy which utilizes my talents in a way that brings me joy.
- We found a new dog, Ellie which we love after losing our Gracie unexpectedly in December 2019.
- I’m grateful my mom has not been here for COVID. It would have been devastating to her.
- My dad has been in a care center where he is well cared for and knows the staff and residents.
- My cousin is gracious to make sure my dad has what he needs.
- Living in an extended stay hotel created opportunities to make new friends.
- I enjoy having the opportunity to work remotely.
- Slowing down has been good.
- Our house in Iowa finally sold.
- We finally are in our own home.
- Texas is my home.
The bad and ugly or maybe just the hard:
- There will always be mean people in your life somewhere lurking and making trouble.
- Social media feeds the ability to hide and be cruel.
- I answered the phone when my brother called on Christmas because I want to honor my mom and work on my relationship with him.
- Finding a new home church and plugging has proven to be challenging.
- Wearing a mask makes me think I have COVID because it makes my nose run.
- Pandemic fatigue is real.
- Empty shelves in stores really irritate me.
- I have felt isolated this year in ways I never imagined and I really don’t like it.
Friends, there are so many things I learned and the ways I have changed is beyond this list of 2020. Most recently, as we closed on our home (December 18), I witnessed over and over again the provision of the Lord in our lives. We returned to Texas last December after letting go of so many possessions because of the cost of shipping them. We needed appliances and furniture…all the big stuff. At every turn, we saw the hand of God providing everything we needed within a budget I had established in my head. For me, this was big because I had “worried” about it since we began our long and daunting house search for most of 2020. Finally, within the last days of the year, all came to fruition beyond anything I could have asked or imagined. I am grateful and humbled by the gracious provision of God. We are blessed in the midst of the crazy pandemic which has consumed us on a daily basis…and for me, it’s been an enormous part of my job every single day.
I am so looking forward to reading about your 2020! May 2021 be a year of abundance…it’s all in how we look at it.
~blessings to you
Carrie
Pamela says
An interesting post that has some real take-aways. I noticed you were from Iowa. That is where we have been for the past twenty some years but five years ago we bought a home in Florida and became Florida residents. We still have a home in Iowa but have downsized to make it easier and more affordable but we both have aging parents there, and a married daughter. So, we continue to do a lot of back and forth. Moving to a new state during Covid and meeting people had to be challenging. Hopefully, we are about ready to turn the corner and there will be easier days ahead. Good luck to you in your new residence and Happy New Year.
Joanne says
Aw, that is so heartwarming to hear how everything fell into place for you with your new home. Thanks so much for hosting!
Jill M Massa says
It’s so good to see you back Carrie. I enjoy your posts so much. I appreciate your honesty about what’s going on in your life. You are such an encourager to me because I share many of the same struggles. I pray God’s richest blessings to you in 2021!
jodie filogomo says
I know what you mean about wearing the mask Carrie. In fact, it tickles my throat and makes me cough, and then I worry that people think I’m sick, LOL
I loved this idea for a post…thanks for hosting,
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Daenel T. says
Such a warm post. I’m happy to read that everything settled down and worked to your good with your move. It’s such a stressful experience, it’s good to know that God is the ultimate provider and that He cares for us. I know from experience that working on family relationships is hard, my prayers are with you.
Joanne Tracey says
Thanks for hosting this linkup. It’s been a challenging year for sure, but while we need to acknowledge the challenges, there are plenty of bright spots in there too – especially around your home. Wishing you joy in 2021.
Leslie Susan Clingan says
So glad that 2020 ended on a positive note for you as you moved into your new home. Hope you have been able to use the holidays off from work to get moved in and situated. I really detest moving. I think that comes from the many moves as a military wife. But the thought of having to pack up this house would be enough to push me over the edge. Especially over the holidays. You are pretty amazing to have held it all together!!
I have had some sad experiences with women being unkind as you may remember from some of our earlier blogging days. I know I am ultra sensitive but I also try to be especially kind to others. I hope the mean people who have hurt your heart are no longer in a position to do so. Here’s to finding the perfect new church home and then being able to attend service. We love our church but have been scared to go!!