Usually I feel like every year flies by, but 2020 seems like it was the longest year ever! So much has happened this year and on the surface it may seem like there’s nothing great to say about the events that transpired this year.
This verse has been so heavy on my heart the last couple of days while reflecting on all this year has brought us. 2020 has brought me so many lessons and sweet reminders. Yet through its trials I was reminded to endure and rest my faith in God and God alone.
5 Lessons I Learned In 2020
Never take for granted the “small things”.
For a time this year my health wasn’t the best. I wasn’t able to simply pick up my sweet daughter and walk with her on my hip. Like so many of you, I also missed being able to shop in my favorite stores or even squeeze on the neck of so many of my family and friends. This earth is temporary including everything and everyone in it. Our hope should rest in Him and Him alone.
I’m not everyone’s cup of tea and that’s ok!
Despite being confined at home for most of the year, I’ve made so many sweet friends through the internet! With the growth of followers though, I’ve had my share of what I perceived as rejection. But that’s completely ok! Reality is, my blog and the community I’m trying to build here isn’t for everyone. People deciding to show up and stay in this space is out of my control. All I can do is pray that God grants me the words to say and I’m able to help and learn from those who are here! This translates to life outside of the “internet-world” as well!
I can be a flawed individual and confident at the same time.
For whatever reason, my perception of a confident woman is a woman who has it all together. Honestly, this couldn’t be the furthest thing from the truth. If God is willing to accept us as we are and transform us with His love, why can’t we learn to do the same? I spoke a lot more on confidence and the Bible verses I meditated on to build my confidence in a blog post this past summer.
You’re not a bad person for taking care of yourself first.
As a mama, it always seems like the noble thing to place everyone else’s needs above your own. While I’m always grateful to serve the beautiful family I’ve been blessed with, I’ve also learned I can’t pour from an empty cup. By carving out little nuggets of “me-time” throughout the day, I find myself always serving with a joyful heart. I’m not as frustrated over spilt milk. More importantly, by carving out time to spend time with God I’m able to extend the same patience and grace He gives me on the daily.
“Good” things can be a distraction as well.
I’m actually planning to carve out time to fast from unnecessary shopping in the beginning of the year. Not only am I sure it’ll benefit my pockets but I’m ultimately hoping it’ll redirect my heart to leaning in on Him for solace over the pleasure of shopping. While on the surface there’s no harm in so many of our “releases”, it’s important to check your heart to ensure these release aren’t becoming Lord in our lives.
My prayer is that despite what you think this past year has brought you, that you were able to grow from it. That you’ll be able to walk into the new year with the lessons YOU learned from 2020. If anything, rejoice because you’ve made it this far!
XO
Michelle
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