To say 2020 was a weird year would be an understatement. Full of standstills, holding patterns and changes in daily activity – we have all been dramatically affected by the events that happened within 2020. A year that won’t be forgotten with the global pandemic, cultural, and political events, it certainly was one for the history books. But as Matthew McConaughey writes in his memoir, “every red light eventually turns green.” I can’t think of a more applicable theme to apply to the transition that happens this week.
Now it is time to turn the page, start a new chapter, and enter a new year. This year will be full of unknowns (we’ve talked about how to welcome the unknown), full of opportunity and most importantly, full of time. It’s a reset on our calendar and a new set of 365 days. It’s the perfect time to find your passions, pursue new goals, and work towards shaping the best version of yourself.
For many of us, me included, the pandemic altered what work looked like. From lost jobs to working from home, the way work was performed changed. We were forced to create new structure in virtually (pun intended) unknown ways. Then, the social aspect of life changed. We must now communicate and spend time with friends and family via facetime and zoom instead of over a cup of coffee or holiday party. Maybe it was your relationship that was strained from differing views of how to navigate the unknown or long distance that turned completely virtual due to travel bans. Whatever it was for you, it hit hard and left us wondering what’s next?
We often hear people say, “new year, new me” but what if we look at it as “new year, better me.” Instead of trying to change who we are, we can focus on bettering ourselves. A lot can be learned from 2020, we were tried in many ways and I believe the ‘better me’ approach is more accurate and attainable to the goal of what we strive to do. To recap, think back to the beginning of this journey. We were building a base of who we wanted to be, establishing the core of who we are and then… grow.
Despite the hardships 2020 brought, I think there was positivity that came out of the year and it is important as we enter 2021, to hang on to the good things and use those as a catapult into the new year. For one, the motivation to connect with and help others has been beautiful. From supporting local businesses, to finding ways to stay connected to friends and family, to the frontline men and women who sacrificed everything to take care of others. That is something to celebrate. Then we can look at sports and entertainment; from sports teams finding a way to make it happen and interact virtually with fans to cities setting up outdoor movie theatres and shutting down streets for outdoor dining. If we bring nothing else into 2021, my hope and prayer is that we bring that strength, determination, and drive to overcome adversity because I believe it can only make us better as people. I believe that, along with what we see around us, that same strength, determination, and drive to overcome and adapt this year has allowed us to grow and has taught us a lot about ourselves.
Now, it’s time to focus on the new year and bettering ourselves. Set a new year’s resolution and stick to it. We’ve proven how strong we can be, so now let’s put it into action. For all of us believers, trust in the Lord. Stick to the faith. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” This is amazing assurance and security knowing that, if we put our hope in Christ, he will give us the strength and ability to push forward and grow. When we trust in the Lord to lead us, we will find reassurance that he holds the future in his hands.As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 2021 can be the year weshape the best version of ourselves because we decide to trust the Lord with His plans for us. Maybe that is your resolution, trust less in yourself and more in faith.
Whatever it is for you, be encouraged that you can do it. Lean on each other, lean on resources like the topics in these messages, and lean on faith. Though 2021 is unknown and we don’t know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. That alone breeds encouragement and confidence in me. Make the choice to use 2021 to the fullest. It’s a new year. Welcome the unknowns, attack adversity when it comes and make the most of the opportunities for you. It’s an exciting time!
WORKOUT
This week, as we turn the page and enter into 2021, the challenge is to focus on a mental workout. The challenge: to create a S.M.A.R.T goal. Share it, write it down, hold yourself accountable to making the goal happen this next year.
Find a goal or resolution that helps you shape the best version of yourself and stick to it. Make 2021 your year for growth. YOU are strong. YOU can do it!
A S.M.A.R.T goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based.
Hammer and Anvil 