Henri Nouwen wrote, ”Celebration...is the unceasing affirmation that underneath all the ups and downs of life there flows a solid current of joy."
Reflecting back to this time last year, many of us were anticipating that 2020 would be a season of focus, vision, and clarity. What the year turned out to be was more divergence, uncertainty, and darkness. What a contrast! But was it?
It is said that when the heat is turned up what’s really in the pot will boil to the top. In the Bible, Proverbs 17:3 reads, “A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the Lord is the tester of hearts.” Could it be that what was disguised with good manners and decorum has been revealed? Racism and rebellion that was always there was uncovered and deadly differences of opinion and biases drew the limelight and was centerstage for all to see.
So 2020 indeed was a year of vision and seeing with glaring clarity what was really in the hearts and minds of men and women. I want to look back and ask myself how did I respond to the pandemic. What was my reaction to my job loss, the mask mandate, and stay at home orders? I believe that what has truly been in the heart - particularly in the Church, the government, and within our families, has been revealed in 2020. So how do we respond?
May I suggest the answer is for each of us to individually reflect - with a heart of compassion, gentleness, and empathy towards ourselves, the lessons learned and allow Love and hope to take root and guide us forward. I am certain that if we move too quickly into 2021 without reflecting deeply upon 2020's unexpectedness, its losses, the tears shed, and the experiences shared, we are destined to repeat it.
Therefore, let this new beginning truly be a season of planting seeds of love, of peace and of encouragement. Happy New Year and may the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you and may He give you His peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
Seeds of light,
Allison
