A recent visit with a friend caused me to reflect on this year. Updates about our lives were overdue. From home improvement projects to career plans, there was no shortage of subjects to cover. But our friendship bond felt fragile and unfamiliar. It lacked the sense of warmth we’d always known.

Perhaps living in different cities and the restrictions of the pandemic were to blame. However, it’s more likely the messiness of life was the real reason we’d grown reluctant in our sharing. As we greeted each other with a smile, a not so subtle awkwardness settled in between us. Vulnerability felt risky and the distance in our friendship was obvious.

Much about my visit with my friend mimics my feelings about 2021. 2020 was brutal. The new year budded with the potential of a different experience. With a sigh of relief I said, “Hello 2021. It’s so nice to see you.”

January came with the anticipation of better times. I could see hope stretching across the horizon all the way into December. But eventually anxiety settled in between me and my 2021. I wanted this year to include the end of the pandemic, the beginning of relationships mending and the middle of a global economic rebound. My expectations may have been naïve.

However, my faith reminds me with God, there is grace for where we are right now and for where we are headed next. It’s not a matter of if things will get better. It’s a matter of when. (John 10:10b)

As my friend and I talked, better came. A few topics and a few laughs later, awkwardness gave way to familiarity. By the time we parted, gratitude flowed. It was so good to see her. Reconnecting with an open mind and sincere heart brought a new look to our old friendship.

Amazingly, my one-word for 2021 is “new.” I can honestly say with my friend and in the last 12 months, it’s lived up to its meaning. This year held pleasant surprises and unexpected challenges. The “All Things New” post on this blog explains the theme.

Undoubtedly, we’ve seen or felt our share of tragedies in the world. But I’ve also seen God’s faithfulness in the midst of my struggles. Through prayer and time in His Word, I receive His strength. I sense how much He cares. For whether we realize it or not, God sees us too.

“I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul” (Psalm 31:7 NLT).

Don’t get me wrong. In many ways, this has been a good year. I’m grateful for good health and the love of family and friends. Gratitude grows for new friendships and collaborations, new writing and podcast guesting opportunities. There were new insights about experiencing joy and a completely new look to this website. They were each made possible by the new mercies God gives to us each day. (Lamentations 3:21-23)

When it comes to 2021, you probably have a few thoughts of your own.

I hope you and yours are well. But if what’s unresolved still stares us in the face, our unfailing God is always at work. Life is far from perfect, but since my God is, I choose to end the year with gratitude. So goodbye 2021. It was so nice to see you.

PRAYER: Dear God, my life and times are in Your hands. I lay every desire and disappointment in 2021 at Your feet. I trust in Your faithfulness and love. Whatever I’m wishing for, Your will is always what’s best for me. Lord, thank You for every blessing You’ve given me in 2021. Help me to align with Your will for my life in 2022. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul” (Psalm 31:7 NLT).