Many have commented how much they did not like this year. Even I have joked about it as being a terrible year, but was it? Sure, there was COVID-19 and violence. Yes, there was natural disaster and senseless death. Of course, there was injustice. This year also was an election year and that may or may not have been a good thing in your perspective. Was 2020 really that bad?
I looked back on this year and choose to reflect on the good things. One of the ways I can reflect on how the year went for me is through my blog posts. I have written fifty blog posts this year, including this one. That is amazing considering I had a major move and was sick with COVID-19 for three weeks. Yet, God gave me the ability to write. I give Him all the glory for this. I cannot do anything without Him.
The Stories
This year was the first year I ever attempted to write fiction. The stories I have written are from the Bible. They are written in first person about characters found in the Bible. Some of them do not even have names so I gave them names. Others are well known and some you must search to find them. They all amazed me. I do not know how else to explain except to say I felt God was telling the stories through me. These stories of how the person endured hardship and suffering yet kept their faith. I have learned so much from them. I look forward to seeing who else God has for me to write about.
The Devotionals
Sometimes in my daily devotional I feel led to write from the scripture of the day. Other times I come across a passage I am prompted to write about. Sometimes a scripture comes to mind I cannot get out of my head, so I write about it. God has richly blessed me through His Word in these devotionals. I have learned so much. I am sure God will teach me more in the coming year.
Christianity and Mental Health
I also continued to write in the Christianity and Mental Health series. This series if from my knowledge and faith. Several years ago, I finished my master’s degree in mental health and addictions. Later, I also studied Pastoral counseling through Liberty University. This knowledge, yet lack of experience, has enabled me to write to help people with mental health issues who are Christians. I never became a counselor due to age and lack of experience, but God can still use my knowledge so that is why I write about mental health. I wonder if God will give me more topics to write about in this series.
Other
A few times during the year I wrote directly about what was happening in my life. In April I got sick with bronchitis and was tested for COVID-19. In November I actually got COVID-19 and when I was able, I wrote about how God was with me even in those dark nights when I struggled to breathe. I also wrote about my big move to Wausau and the blessings God has given me through that move. I also shared a couple of recipes I made this year. Now that I have a big kitchen, I am sure I will share more recipes. I have a page on my website just for recipes. Finally, God has blessed me with time with family this past year. These times are reflected in my writings about hotel and restaurants I visited. While I only was able to see immediate family this Christmas I hope to see more of my family in this coming year. God has blessed me with an awesome family, and I miss them dearly.
Yes, this year had its troubles. Yet what year does not? Looking back, I can see how God has truly blessed me this year. I look forward to the coming year because I know God is going to bless me. What are your blessings from 2020?
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