The turning of the year invites both looking back and looking ahead. The first is rooted in memory; the second in hope and intention. I have never indulged in much formal retrospection. I've never done a post highlighting the 10 most-read blog entries, nor do I find them interesting to read on others' blogs. Of course, I love memories, but that's different.
However, this year, more than most, seems to invite a little reflection. My, what a year it's been. None of us imagined the upheaval and turmoil of 2020. All years are uncertain, for we never really know what lies ahead. We make plans and most times, they come to fruition, or we change them. We live life with an illusion of control. Perhaps 2020 taught us that life is fragile and plans should be held lightly. We have seen incredible goodness and kindness in people, and conversely, incredible selfishness. The convulsions of this year brought home the importance of resilience, and of the need to be strong spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. It's been tough. We've wept. We've been anxious. We've ached with longing to hug our loved ones. We've faltered.
Next year, 2021, will begin with the very same problems and turmoil as 2020 ended with: inequality, racism, selfishness, and the big one, Covid19. There is hope that the vaccine will help with the latter. But even those results will not be apparent for several months, at the earliest.
So what do I hope for as we step into 2021?
I hope that you will see the world with eyes of wonder and awe, and that you will find solace in knowing the promise of Christmas, Emmanuel - God with us, through the days and moments of 2021. I hope that you will soon be able to gather with those you love, that you will hug and kiss with joy and abandon, and laughter will echo from the walls of your home. I hope that you will create community and a sense of welcome as you walk about the world. I hope that you read books that make you cry and laugh and ponder life. Move more. Be well. Love with abandon.
Your hopes for the year ahead are perfect, Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteYes and amen to your hopes for 2021!
ReplyDeletePrayers to all for Peace & Good Health
ReplyDelete🎉Happy New Year🎉
Beautiful thoughts Lorrie... it has been a difficult year for so many, although here where I live, it really has been life as normal for the most part. We have been abundantly blessed and I am so very grateful for that. I pray that 2021 brings in a year of better things for all of us. I sit here today watching the snow fall, and there is something so soothing about seeing it gently fall. Much love, and many hugs and blessings for the New Year!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your reflections Lorrie - I have found solace in mother nature this year - the changing seasons, the birds, the animals, lovely landscapes, dramatic skies, and the small hidden joys such as the many different types of lichens to be found. I am not sad to say goodbye to 2020 but do welcome 2021, even though it is likely to be many months into the year before we know just how 2021 is faring.
ReplyDeleteI think we all agree that missing the presence of loved ones is the hardest. Hopefully soon, we can change that. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Lorrie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful wish for the New Year. May you find brighter days ahead, and may the vaccines work for us all. I so want to go back to Canada to see my grandchildren, but as you say, plans must be made lightly. One day we will all travel again. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reflective post for the year end! I just caught up on several posts here and see again how we are all in the same space and it is comforting because we can all understand
ReplyDeleteand empathize with one another. I, too, wish you the best for the New Year, that you stay well and that your home will be filled with the laughter of children once more.
I totally agree with your thoughts Lorrie. What a year it was - no one misses it. It has been a lonely holiday season, without live meetings with the family. But in the middle of all the adversities we must not loose hope. I wish you health and happiness in 2021.
ReplyDeleteLet’s hope your thoughts come true. A happy new year to you and your family. B x
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and prayers for an abundance of blessings.
ReplyDeleteThat door is perfect. We have learned so much and we will move forward.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing - your reflections bring calm and kindness into the lives of your readers.
This was such a good post, Lorrie. Many of our issues will be ongoing in the new year but it is with the hope that we move ever forward. I wish you a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate your warm and wonderful friendship.
Beautiful sentiments and so expertly written. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and yours.
Dear Lorrie, your words are beautiful and a treasure. Our friendship may be virtual, but my friend you are a gem. This, perhaps, is one of my most favorite of your posts.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and those you hold dear a Happy and Healthy New Year. Many Blessings.
Oh Lovely post. I hope to put my arms around my grown up kids and hug them to pieces.
ReplyDeleteThere i go again, I'm UNKNOWN. I have to work on my settings sorry!
ReplyDeleteWonderful sentiments. You do have a way with words. Wishes for a healthy, happy, peaceful new year.
ReplyDelete“Love with abandon.” It’s perfect! And so hard but worthwhile!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
The turn of the year won't make a difference unless we do. - Margy
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years! A wonderful post. So much to think about. I just hope we stay well and continue being the people we are. Everyone needs to care for one another. Take care. Kit
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteSending my good wishes and also wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2021.
All the best Jan
And all I can say is "amen".
ReplyDeleteEspecially to love with abandon.
Good words to remember.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Beautifully written, Lorrie, and a wonderful reflection. Happy and Healthy 2021 to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Lorrie!
ReplyDeleteI've always appreciated your beautifully written and thoughtful posts, but even more so during the pandemic!