Monday December 28: The countdown to the end of 2020 now stands at “4”

There is a lot of enthusiasm out there to see the year 2020 take it’s long-anticipated spot in the review mirror. I get that, but I also believe a posture of looking for the next best thing is seldom beneficial, because now is where we live and – in a sense – we always will.

So it is important to get our heads, and our hearts, around the opportunity that the present moment offers to live without reservation and to live gratefully. “Tomorrow” or “next year” does not have to be the day all our problems go away… any more than “just a little more money” will solve anyone’s financial woes; we never really know what the next day is going to look like but we can change how we view the one we are living in.

Everyone has a prediction, or a wish, or a vision, but no one really knows. We do not know what 2021 will hold for us as a world, or as a country, or as individuals.

But there are a few things I do know, with certainty:

• I know that God loves us, and that God has promised to be with us and to walk alongside us.
• I know that each of the 41 years Rebekah and I have lived as husband and wife has been an adventure – unique, challenging, unrepeatable, and full with grace and mercy.
• I know that we are surrounded by family and friends who have always encouraged us along the way.
• I know that this world – and this country in particular – is populated with many good, intelligent, creative, innovative, compassionate people who are motivated and committed when it comes to making things work.

And I know these words from Lamentations; they not only give me confidence moving forward, but they inspire me to live today in the truth of God’s love.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.” – Lamentations 3:22-24

Because living today in the liberating truth of God’s love is always our opportunity. We cannot know what tomorrow may bring, but we can live today as the blessed children of God we are.

Peace as you wrap up this most troubling year, and may we all understand – and live into – the beauty that is today – DEREK