"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 107:1, ESV
I think most of us can agree that 2020 has been a year like we’ve never seen before! Business as usual was more like business unusual. I heard so many people say or post things like, “I’m so glad to be leaving 2020 behind” or “That was the worst year yet” and so forth. I have to admit I’ve also been guilty of finding myself complaining about the way the year played out. Without a choice in the matter, our lives were completely interrupted. I’m not one that adapts to change quickly, so it took me most of the year to accept the fact that this is how it’s going to be for a while and, even so, I was still not happy about it.
One evening last week as I was scrolling through social media, I came across a post that a friend of mine shared on his Facebook page. He encouraged everyone to name two positive things that happened in 2020. Positive things? Really? Could anything positive have come out of last year? After thinking about his request for a moment, I realized there actually were positive moments and that the entire year wasn’t all disagreeable. I remembered that a family situation I had been praying about for several years was touched by a miracle and completely turned around. This one answer to prayer alone was worth all the discomfort the year brought. I also recalled that it was the year I started this blog site. I stepped out in faith in an area that was new and scary, but the reward has been so great hearing about the lives that have been touched by it and experiencing my own growth and development because of it. After responding to my friend’s post, my daughter presented a similar question. As we started talking and I shared my positive moments, she began to remember several positive things that happened in her life as well. It was incredible to witness one spark of positivity spread and become just as contagious as any virus.
I’m not sure why we have the tendency to focus on negative experiences and allow them to somehow overshadow the positive. My friend’s challenge caused me to take a pause and intentionally give thought to the good things. There were many more than two. When we pay attention to the good things, it opens our heart to be thankful and grateful, and to recognize and appreciate God’s goodness in our lives. The bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances and to rejoice in all the good that the Lord has given us. We can’t do that if our attention is directed toward the negative. So just as my friend passed the challenge on to me and I passed it on to my daughter, I encourage you to do the same. Take some time to think over this past year. Illuminate the positives and give thanks for all the good. I guarantee that if you really take the time, you will find your heart overtaken with gratitude.
A message from my heart:
I know that many have experienced great loss this past year and my writing is not meant to minimize or discount any grief or pain it has brought. I pray that the sorrow will soon pass and that you experience joy once again. (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, Matthew 5:4)
Scriptures
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thess. 5:18, ESV
“And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.” Deuteronomy 26:11a, ESV
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Psalm 103:1-2, ESV
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember the good things over the past year and not allow the disappointments to have a greater place in my heart than the thankfulness I have for all You’ve done. You have been good and have kept me through all of the uncertainty and I am grateful. I bless You and will forever recognize Your goodness in my life.
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