Hi Everyone!
Finally, 2020 is coming to an end. I smile reading what I wrote in my update email last December: “I can't wait to share what He does through us in 2020.”
Little did I know what God had in store for all of us. From the pandemic to social injustice to political discourse, 2020 has changed the way I see and experience life. And I hope it has changed you, too. But before I dive into some of the lessons God has taught me this year, here's a quick recap of the year!
February 2020. Being a part of Preview Weekend reminded me of how far God brought me. By recounting His grace and provision in my own life to the students trying to discern His calling, I was convicted and challenged to “follow Jesus one yes at a time,” into a second year of serving at Cru. Yes, I can trust God with another year of my life.
March 2020. Doing disaster relief in hurricane-torn Abaco Island opened my eyes to the overwhelming grief of loss and the steadfast strength of hope. I met people who genuinely echoed Job’s cry: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Upon returning, the two weeks of isolated quarantine challenged me to face my privilege and practice gratitude.
Summer 2020. While I didn't anticipate staying in Orlando, God abundantly provided for my second year. Once again, I was blown away by your support and generosity. God’s provision and care demonstrated His faithfulness and that He is my shepherd, and I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)
August 2020. Welcoming thirteen new interns to Orlando reminded me where I was a year ago, and what God has done. In the year post-college, He gave me a new church family, new friends, and new ways to serve the community around me. I'm excited to continue growing and doing life together with these brothers and sisters in 2021.
Fall 2020. With the challenges of online school, our team created digital strategies and tools that helped hundreds of Cru staff to reach college freshmen without meeting them in person. We brainstormed innovative ways to connect students to Christian community, equipped others to have spiritual conversations with friends virtually, and trained staff to do outreaches on Instagram, making an impact in ways we didn't anticipate!
December 2020. I made it back to California! Even though returning involved quarantining AGAIN, it is so good to be home. Being home has given me time to reflect on this roller coaster of a year. While so many things were so unexpected, these lyrics keep coming back to mind: “All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been so, so good.”
2021. I’m much less excited and much more wary than usual about the New Year. Who knows what will happen next year? Although I have no idea what 2021 holds, I want to have a humble posture and attitude of gratitude.
“With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”
Lessons from 2020
Gratitude. From stable internet to caring friends to music, it is so easy for me to take the big and little things in life for granted. But God commands us to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I am so prone to complain and have needed countless reminders to be thankful, but I am so blessed to be doing ministry with the prayers and support of people like you.
Control. With all the changes in plans this year, I deeply experienced how much I am NOT in control. My life is more of a product of God's grace, provision, and mercy than of my own hard work, planning, and aptitude. As a result, I am learning to be more open-handed with the resources and time I've been given to steward, knowing that God is in control of the outcome, and I am not.
Emotions. This devotional changed the way I viewed and related with my own feelings: my frustrations, joy, and disappointments are not to be idolized or suppressed, but brought before God in prayer. It is a slow and difficult journey, but I am practicing to share my emotions with others in a healthy and respectful way.
What has God taught you this year? I would love to hear of the subtle and obvious ways He has met you in the midst of this crazy year!
Thank you for being an invaluable part of my 2020.
May you and your family experience the abundant peace of Christ in 2021!
Anne
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