Over the last several weeks I have heard many people say that they cannot wait for 2020 to be over. I hear them say what a horrible year this has been and that hopefully 2021 will be much better.
No matter how difficult 2020 has been, I cant help but be thankful for this year. I am not one to easily alter my "routine." But this year I learned that not only can I make alterations, I can embrace the opportunity to learn from from them.
When I walked out of my office on March 23, I truly expected to be back there with my coworkers in two to four weeks. Nine and a half months later, we are all still working from home, holding staff meetings via Teams, and overcoming obstacles together all while being distanced. I miss seeing my coworkers in person each day, but I believe we have all become stronger as a team, not only professionally but on a personal level as well.
My church was shut down for many weeks, but that did not deter my church family. Our pastor took the lead, and with so many people willing to help, our services were live-streamed in a very short time. We are now able to attend in person, but the services are still being streamed for those who cannot attend in person. We have no hymnals, but we still sing. Sometimes I feel the singing is actually louder, maybe because with no hymnal in hand there is no reason to be looking down while singing so our voices are actually lifted, the way God intends. We don't pass the offering plate, but we are still able to drop off our tithes and donations to support our church and the mission fields. There is physical space between us as we sit in the pews, but I believe the spiritual connection is stronger than ever. Many physical changes have occurred, but God has remained steadfast.
The above examples are only two areas of my life that were affected by the turmoil and struggles that COVID 19 presented. However, in the midst of all this, my eyes and heart have been opened to see that no matter how bad or good a year happens to be, God gives us the year to embrace life and make the best of all we have. He likes to grow us through our challenges.
In closing, I want to send many thanks and much love to each person who has touched my life in 2020. It is my prayer that we can all complete the upcoming 2021 journey together.
Wishing you all peace, happiness and God's continued blessing in this new year.
Ruth McDonald Mair
12/31/2020
No matter how difficult 2020 has been, I cant help but be thankful for this year. I am not one to easily alter my "routine." But this year I learned that not only can I make alterations, I can embrace the opportunity to learn from from them.
When I walked out of my office on March 23, I truly expected to be back there with my coworkers in two to four weeks. Nine and a half months later, we are all still working from home, holding staff meetings via Teams, and overcoming obstacles together all while being distanced. I miss seeing my coworkers in person each day, but I believe we have all become stronger as a team, not only professionally but on a personal level as well.
My church was shut down for many weeks, but that did not deter my church family. Our pastor took the lead, and with so many people willing to help, our services were live-streamed in a very short time. We are now able to attend in person, but the services are still being streamed for those who cannot attend in person. We have no hymnals, but we still sing. Sometimes I feel the singing is actually louder, maybe because with no hymnal in hand there is no reason to be looking down while singing so our voices are actually lifted, the way God intends. We don't pass the offering plate, but we are still able to drop off our tithes and donations to support our church and the mission fields. There is physical space between us as we sit in the pews, but I believe the spiritual connection is stronger than ever. Many physical changes have occurred, but God has remained steadfast.
The above examples are only two areas of my life that were affected by the turmoil and struggles that COVID 19 presented. However, in the midst of all this, my eyes and heart have been opened to see that no matter how bad or good a year happens to be, God gives us the year to embrace life and make the best of all we have. He likes to grow us through our challenges.
In closing, I want to send many thanks and much love to each person who has touched my life in 2020. It is my prayer that we can all complete the upcoming 2021 journey together.
Wishing you all peace, happiness and God's continued blessing in this new year.
Ruth McDonald Mair
12/31/2020
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