A Thrill of Hope
Hey team,
I’ve gone to sit down to write a blog post here for a few weeks and have just felt uncertain about what to say (my original draft was from 12/2 if that gives you any indication of the struggle). I left my original title for you because something in my spirit responds to the idea of hope. Genuine hope really is thrilling, isn’t it?
What I’ve landed on is that this year has been full of so many unique experiences for everyone. If we’re honest, we could all use a good counseling session to process the good and the bad that 2020 brought. Our world has changed and likely will never go back to how it was.
There are so many resources out there for how to process a year well. My personal rhythm is to write a letter to the year (Dear 2020…). Something about that helps me think through the different events and recall interactions with people while bringing to light significant themes. I also create a photo book of our year of marriage. Flipping through the pictures reminds me of all the things we did.
I’m subscribed to a blog we encourage our missionaries to follow that talks about a number of different topics. One recent post was about reflecting on 2020. There are steps and questions the author recommends for getting your head around what you’ve experienced. Without realizing it, by writing the letter each year and creating a photo book, I go through the steps, and it’s helped me tremendously.
or
How to do a Visual Examen for the New Year
Additionally, Seth Barnes, the founder of Adventures in Missions, wrote a blog about journaling. Slowing ourselves down enough to record our thoughts and process can be quite instructive.
What Do Old Journals Say About My Life?
Now, for those of you who do not feel like you have time to reflect, actually do not have time, or are just not about sitting around thinking, I believe you could still benefit from some reflection. The steps from the first blog give different activities with varying time lengths. I know not everyone lives in their head the same way I do. Ronny, for instance, would reflect on a year VERY differently than I would, but that likely doesn’t surprise you.
At any rate, team, we made it. 2020 is laying its head down to rest, and 2021 is getting ready to wake up. My hope with this blog is to give you some resources if you feel stuck in your 2020 experience.
The Lord is still good. He is still sovereign. He is still on His throne. He is not surprised by what has happened. He will never leave us nor forsake us.
With love,
Casey, Ronny & Liam (Team Wilson)
