good evening

Happy New Year, friends!

I was tapping through my friends’ Instagram stories a couple days ago, most of them recounting their year and welcoming the new one. I was struck by something. Most of them talked about how many blessings they had had over the course of 2020. Many of them said it was the best year yet.

Last week at church, we had a celebration service of sorts. Members shared how they’d been blessed, and the numerous blessings that came, either directly or indirectly, from covid.

Personally, this year has been one of tremendous growth and change. I moved out, got my first apartment, am working on starting my own business, and many other things. I’ve been blessed beyond belief by friends, family, and my amazing boyfriend.

This all isn’t to say that this year hasn’t been hard, or to minimize anyone’s suffering. Areas with strict lockdowns have been incredibly difficult for those with mental health issues, those dealing with domestic violence and abuse, those struggling to support their families, and many others. It’s been a year of mental and physical agony for many. People have lost their dearest and closest friends and family.

What a difference it makes to have God by our side. We have Him to lean on in these hard times (that aren’t gonna get any easier folks – we’ve read the end of the Book). With Him, every year is a good year. Every year will have its beauty and its blessings. And that’s the best thing we can remember!

Stay close to God, folks, and stay close to your friends. We need each other.

“Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done.”