2020 has been a year similar to what I expected for 2000. The year 2000 wasn’t terribly eventful. Nineteen years pretty much flew by. Toward the end of 2019 around September or so, for some reason, I began to watch videos about minimalism, living off grid, tiny houses, and composting toilets. I’m not sure I’d ever go with a composting toilet, by the way!

At the end of 2019, I felt in my spirit something major was upcoming. I could not put my finger on it, but felt it in my spirit. I didn’t believe it would necessarily be the end of the world, but I had a sense that something majorly impactful was going to happen. I did not know what. I spoke to someone else who felt the same way, that something was going to happen. We just didn’t know what.

An increase in distress began early in 2019 for my family. Loved ones began to pass away due to tragic incidents. This continued into 2020 with more family deaths happening. In 2020, there has been the pandemic ongoing. There was civil unrest like what I had not seen before. There were racially motivated shootings, public outrage, anarchy, fires burning around the country, death of more family members due to Covid-19, and the list goes on.

Therefore, I was deeply saddened and in a funk for a time. One thing I can say is that in harder times, many people tend to look to God more. For instance, this includes people who don’t pay Him much mind most other times. I believe 2020 has been a time of taking a pause in more ways than one. I mainly mean taking somewhat of a pause from the natural to activate more spiritually. People have gotten so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that sometimes, they live as if they don’t have time for God.

I am a work in progress in utilizing my time better. God is top priority, and I know that I must work my schedule around Him; not work Him into my schedule. One blessing that comes from tribulation is that it gets our attention. Hence, some people are much more likely to focus on God, and to reflect on and appreciate the things that matter most in hard times. I think the year 2020 got people’s attention in many ways.

These were some already known facts, but they became real to me in a new way in 2020:

• God is my source and the only one truly in control.

• Be ready and be right with God at all times.

• Time is more precious than we realize.

• Life should be lived with intentionality; live with kingdom purpose. Ephesians 5: 15- 17.

• I have so very much to be grateful for.

• Seek to love and trust God more. Matthew 22: 37.

• Seek to love and appreciate people more. Matthew 22: 39.

• Never take people or circumstances for granted.

• Life is precious and fleeting.

• Words cannot express the significance of and gratitude I have for all first responders and health-care workers.

• Customer and public service workers (including grocery store employees) are super important front-liners.

• Things can change forever in a major way, in an instant.

• It is necessary to maintain an attitude of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18.

• Praying more is important. This means praying more for others, as well as for myself. Matthew 6:41.

• It is important to be a wise steward over God-given time, talents, and all resources.

• Safety is truly of the Lord alone.

Psalms 91 reminds us of this. “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalms 91: 2- 4.

How about you? How has 2020 influenced your outlook?