Words for 2020... and beyond

So last week we had more weird Chicago weather.  First it was quite cold.  Then it warmed up and it rained.  By warmed up, I mean that it was in the 40's.  When you have an almost three year old, cooped up in the house for what seems like days on end, you take advantage of a break in the weather to go outside!  Grace has become quite fascinated by Peppa Pig videos.  She noticed the puddles and asked to wear her rain boots so that she could "jump in muddy puddles!"  This is something that happens in almost every Peppa episode.  So, with winter coat, hat and gloves AND rain boots, we went for a walk in her neighborhood.  She was delighted to find a couple of puddles (not really muddy) to jump in.  She was so excited.  It sort of made me stop and think about my inner feelings about the new year, the new decade and quite frankly - my age!

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to always find such joy in the middle of  a storm?  This picture is just another reminder why Jesus told us all we need to be like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Kids seem to find the fun and the good no matter what.  The desire to run and play and explore trumps how bad the circumstances are.  I want  to be able to harness that desire in 2020 and the next decade.  I have waited to post this blog until I had actually arrived at a "word" for 2020.  But here it is, twelve days into the new year and I have not settled on a word that feels right to me.  I mentioned last week that I have actually been doing more looking back rather than looking ahead in this year.  That looking back has not been about chronicling all the GOOD from the past, rather it has been more about the regrets.  Somewhere in this musing about the new year, I was reminded of the song Gods Not Done by Tauren Wells.  Towards the end of the song there is a bridge that says...

He's got a plan, this is part of it.  He's going to finish what he started.

He's not done,  God's not done writing your story.  

No, he's not done, God's not done with you.

It was one of those moments where I stopped and said, "Okay God, I'm listening".  It took a few weeks, but I got the message.  The thing is, I suspect there are many more people out there who are feeling the same way that I was.  I don't know if it is my age, the idea of a new decade, or what.  But all I felt looking at the new year, was DONE!  And then this song came back - loudly into my thoughts.  Being reminded that God wasn't done with me was a gift, even when all I felt was a bit tired and not really looking forward much,  It was more than just a reminder, it was the kick in the pants moment for me to stop all the bad inner dialogue I had been having.  You know what I mean, don't you?  Those thoughts that run through your head that you know are not Godly.  The thoughts that age really does matter and you missed your chance, you are too old now.  That is all rubbish.  

The truth is in that song.  God is not done with any of us.  God knew us before we were born and He knows our story.  It is His plan to finish that story in His timing.  

My word for 2020 and for the entire decade is EXPECTANT!  I can't wait to find out what is in my story in the years ahead.  Having an expectant heart means that I will look for the "muddy puddles" in the midst of the rainstorm.  When I find them, I will jump for joy.  I will celebrate the goodness of God in bringing forth the rain that created those puddles.  It also will be an encouragement to remember that God is the bringer of all good things.  The sunshine on the warm summer days, when things are going well.  As well as the light in those dark times.   

I don't know exactly what the year ahead will be like.  But today for today, I am much lighter and much more peaceful, knowing that God's got a plan for me and I don't have to figure it out.  

Jesus, thank you so much for being with us all, everyday as we walk through our day to day life.  Thank you Holy Spirit, for the reminders you bring to us through songs, through stories and through other people.  Keep us all aware of the childlike faith that keeps us close to you.  Give us eyes to see the joy in the midst of the storm.  Thank you for loving us..  Amen

No matter what, safe inside His hands...

Today I snapped this amazing picture of sweet Grace with Lucas Bear.  (This special bear was created in honor of Grace's big brother Lucas - you can read about Lucas here).  Grace is six months old! The time has gone by so fast and it is amazing to see her grow and change.  Lately it seems like she has some new accomplishment every day.  As I took this picture all I could think about was this song...Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells.  Being with Grace is certainly a reminder of those "Mountain Top" times.  And the lose of Lucas was a valley time for our entire family.   Please stop and listen to this incredible song.   It grabs you from the opening line.....

I've walked among the shadows, you wiped my tears away.  I've felt the pain of heartbreak, and I've seen the brighter days.  I prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place, and I've held your blessings....

The point of the song is captured in the title "Hills and Valleys"....  You're the God of the hills and the valleys and I am not alone!   Wow!  Is there any message that is more needed right now?  Yes, God is the God of the good times and the bad times.  He is the joy bringer and the pain taker.  He does give and take away.  He gives blessings and takes away our pain and sorrow.   I love the line that says...
No matter what, I am safe inside His hands!

Once again, a song that just resonates with me.  And when I look at this picture, it is like seeing the words of that song.  We have certainly had our hills and valleys since 2014.  But I can say, with full assurance, that I know that Jesus was with me through it all.  He was there in the valley and it was His grace that has taken my pain.  When my dreams were broken, it was Jesus that gave me hope.  
Such truth in a song.  When we are in those mountain top places,when things are going so well,  when everything seems wonderful.... we need to remember that it was God who brought us there.  He is the God of the hills.   When we are in those really tough places, WE ARE NOT ALONE!  Jesus is right there with us, walking through those valleys.  No matter where we are on life's path, no matter what is going on, our companion is Jesus.

The chorus of this wonderful song says....

On the mountains I will bow my life to the one who set me there.

In the valley I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there.

When I'm standing on the mountain I know I didn't get there on my own.

When I'm walking through the valley, I know I'm not alone.  

Yes, this picture of Grace and Lucas Bear is a picture of the hills and valleys.  It is also a picture of love and hope and so much joy and blessing! 

Jesus, thank you for another amazing song and for Tauren Wells.  Thank you for the reminder that you are always with us - in good times and in hard times.  Holy Spirit, encourage us to lift our eyes to Jesus when it seems dark and hard and remind us who brought us into those mountain top places. Thank you Jesus for Grace and Lucas.  Amen