This sweet image is a common depiction of getting rid of one year and watching the start of a new one. Out with the old and in with the new, they say. For most of us, 2020 has been an accumulation of one thing after another – seeming like most of them were negative. Kind of like old age when you come near the end of it, all the crud from your past seems to come back to haunt.

I would hate to think that one year would make such a difference in a person’s life. When the news media talks about getting rid of the old year, they will have many bad things to talk about for the one we’re sending out the door. Yet there were some pretty amazing things that happened as well. Instead of dwelling on the yucky stuff, maybe it would be wise to look at all of those positives. Here are just a few.

People became reacquainted with their immediate families.

Sanitary conditions became the norm in almost every type of business across the country.

A vaccine for a deadly virus was made available in record time.

Ingenuity and creativity are at an all time high.

Record numbers of voters turned out to vote in a controversial election year.

Awareness of injustices within our country were made apparent and people noticed.

We discovered the age of electronics in a whole new way.

Many learned the true value in life.

A new form of worship became available to all – including those who haven’t attended a church in years. The Word of God will stay remain.

Puzzles and board games became cool again. Playing outdoors did too, not to mention family dinners together.

For us oldies, watching the squirrels and birds outside our window became a daily adventure.

People became creative in the kitchen – using recipes handed down from grandparents.

Drive in movies made a comeback – even in people’s backyards.

We learned to laugh at our state of affairs by making jokes about hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Parodies were displayed on the Internet and often went viral.

As Americans have always done, most of us have looked at this year as one of opportunity and making lemonade out of lemons. Many have lost loved ones to COVID19. Others have passed on to heaven because of other reasons. We rejoice for those who have left this veil of tears and entered their eternal homes. Still we grieve the loss of them and yet we can also be so glad for the impact they had on our lives.

What I’m trying to say in all of this, 2020 was a year of trial – a time in the wilderness to reevaluate life – a time of grace for all who look for it. God continues to reign the same today as He was yesterday and will be in the future. With that news, we can be confident of a happy new year.