By Cyndi
I remember when this year began many people were speaking words like, “This is gonna be a year of vision,” or “This will be a year where our vision gets clearer.” And, yes, having the numerical date of 2020, that all seemed to be apropos.
And then March Madness came. No, not the basketball playoffs, the madness that cancelled those playoffs — COVID-19. Who’d-a-thunk-it? Where did this come from? All of a sudden the whole world seemed blindsided by this virus. Blinded, shut down, not seeing clearly, foggy, confused, no 2020 vision.
Or were we really blinded?
Well, maybe at first. But as time marches on in this state of flux, I find myself truly refocusing and actually seeing clearer. Things I valued and deemed important in my life beforehand have become more obvious now.
I think we could all say indisputably that our family and our health are near the top of our most valued assets. Being able to spend so much time with our kids, the positive and negative of it, is something we may never have again in our lifetime — at least not like this. This containment scenario is making many memories and may one day be viewed as a blessing, though it’s a bit trying for the time being. My son is older and, not only out of the house, but quarantined in Chicago. For me, I wish I had more time with him. Kids grow up fast.
And our health can change fast over time too. During this “stay-at-home” order Robert and I have been refocusing on eating well and exercising better, because we want to live active and prosperous lives for many years. Plus with all the stress of the situation, it’s also a good time for prayer ministry and noticing how we’re dealing with the pressures. Our emotional health and personal growth are important too.
At the top of our values most of us would put “faith in God.” Perhaps this priority in our lives is being tested these days. We may be questioning: “What is God up to?” “Did He cause this?” “How will He fix this?” “Why is He allowing this to happen?”
My only answer is — I don’t know.
I don’t know any of the “why’s” or “how’s,” but I do know we have to focus on Him and not the circumstances. This is where the 2020 vision does come in. Recently reflecting on Jesus dying on the cross and Easter — things weren’t what they appeared to be in this story. Today I have to look beyond my natural eyesight and what I think I see. This is walking by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor.5:7) If ever there was a time to understand this verse, it’s now.
So how do I do this? I relax and trust that Father God loves me and that His love is always good. I rest in not having to know everything and instead simply know that He’s here with me, in the middle of it all.
I, too, can’t wait to see my friends in church again, to surf at the beach, to go out to dinner, and to be with all of my extended family. But for now I’m trying to refocus back solely on Him and I’m seeing much clearer than I have in a while. After all, it is the year 2020.