A ministry of Watermark Church, Anchored Sisters is women connecting with women to make an impression and leave a mark for Jesus Christ.  Anchored in His love, together we Support, Inspire, Share, Teach, Encourage, Respect and Serve one another.
December 29, 2020
2020, The Year in Pictures
This morning, the NY Times published twelve photos that represent the year 2020.  Each year, the newspaper chooses photos that symbolize the events for the year.  As I glanced through the images, they elicited mostly negative feelings for me.  I reflected that quite a few people have expressed that they just want to blot out the year 2020 from their memories. 

Although it has been a difficult and challenging year, I don't want to block out a year of my life.  God repeatedly instructs us in His Word to remember.  Instead, I want to remember the praiseworthy events that happened in 2020.  So, I decided to create some pictures of the year in my mind that demonstrate the goodness of the Lord.  Here are a few:

  • When the traumatic events surrounding COVID contributed to an emotional breakdown for a family member, we stood amazed as God led us through this dark and totally helpless time step by step.  God gave us favor with medical staff and others who provided us with needed information despite privacy laws.  He sent us just the right person to encourage and strengthen us at just the right time.  He raised up an army of prayer warriors to intercede for us.  We saw God redeem, restore and heal.  We personally experienced the truth of, "With God all things are possible!"
     
  • Several of my friends who are grandparents had an increased role of influence in the lives of their grandchildren as they helped in homeschooling and caring for them.  These godly men and women had the opportunity to impart wisdom and truth.  They also were able to give one-on-one instruction in areas of weakness which resulted in improved skills and test scores.  As the children returned to school, they had increased confidence and a stronger foundation.
     
  • Most parents and grandparents who were homeschooling their children gained a new appreciation for the dedication and hard work of school teachers.
     
  •  My sister, who is an elementary school principal, saw the crisis bring her teachers and staff together as they rose to the challenge of a virtual environment.  In their online meetings, they met family members, pets and had glimpses of each other's home life.  They connected in ways they hadn't before.
     
  • As many fathers and mothers began to work from home, young families saw the benefit of eating dinner together and having "together" time.  After seeing the result, some have chosen to continue this lifestyle to increase family bonding and intimacy.
     
  • Since I live in an area where the highways are usually congested or stalled with an accident, it was a blessing to breeze down the highway with so few cars. 
     
  • My germ-conscious husband was thrilled when the country adopted his standard practices for handwashing and avoiding germs on gas pumps, elevator buttons, etc.
     
  • I learned new technology as we orchestrated Zoom meetings to connect with family and friends.
     
  • The creative soul was on display as people around the world showcased their musical talents and orchestrated virtual concerts singing and playing together.  Hilarious videos, photos and messages were posted that highlighted the way we can laugh in the midst of adversity.
     
  • I gained new appreciation for our public servants...nurses, doctors, paramedics, police and teachers to name a few.
     
  • I am grateful for the ordinary supplies I used to take for granted like canned goods, toilet paper and cleaning supplies.  Now, when I observe well-stocked grocery shelves it is noticed and appreciated.
     
  • I enjoyed more time than ever in my happy place, God's great and beautiful outdoors, as we hiked, walked, biked, kayaked and gathered outside with friends for dinners on the porch, picnics and boat rides.
They say hindsight is 20/20 and, in hindsight, I can see the goodness and mercy that followed me each day of this challenging year.  Take a moment today and reflect on one thing you would add to this list as you express your gratitude to God.  Let us enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise!


Father God, thank You for Your mercy and goodness that follows us all the days of our lives.  We are grateful for Your provision and Your protection.  We praise Your Holy Name!


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