Normally on December 31, I look back on the year and remember. My favorite way to do this is through my memory jar. While I don’t want to ignore or forget this year, my memory jar is much emptier than usual due to musicals missed, trips not taken, meals not eaten in restaurants, friends not seen, etc. It was hard for me to write a post-it that said stayed inside today again and get excited about it.
So, I am looking back through pictures and blog posts and Facebook posts that remind me of this year. Amidst the struggle that was this year, I am looking for times I was grateful. I am thankful to have work that is fulfilling and uses my gifts even as I did it in new ways this years. I am thankful for my family and friends who love and support me as they let me support them. And I am looking with hope to 2021 that we will remember the challenges of 2020 and become more compassionate toward ourselves and each other.
God of the Ages, 2020 is on its way out and it will not be forgotten. Our hearts broke this year as we said goodbye to too many people. Our lives changed this year as we covered our faces, stayed home when possible, and learned to distance. We cried and worried and wondered what was the right thing to do. Too many of your children are without work. Too many of your children are sick and lonely. What will happen in 2020? Can we possibly learn from this year? Can you mold us into more compassionate people? Can we remember that we are not isolated beings and instead part of community? Hear our hopes for a better world in 2021. Heal this world and heal us. Amen.
