My 3 Greatest Hopes for 2021

Out with 2020, and in with 2021! Can I get an “Amen“? What are you most hoping for in 2021? Before you answer–and before you read about my 3 Greatest Hopes for 2021–can I share a word of caution?

I think the Christmas trees you see below paint a picture of our 2021 anticipation.

Here’s what I mean…

We enjoyed the huge tree on the left in 2016. 14′ tall with a buh-jillion twinkly lights, it stood in the gabled entry of our 3,200 sq. ft. log cabin dream house. We had a dream Christmas that year, too, with the whole family there to celebrate.

Fast-forward four years to the tree on the right. This year’s tree was only 6′ tall, and we’re in our 900 sq. ft. basement apartment. For the first time since 2016, we again had all the family with us–except one of our sons-in-love who was serving during the holiday on active-duty Coast Guard.

Which Christmas did I enjoy more?

Honestly, I’m not sure. The same lighted angel stands atop both trees, and the same people sat around our family circle, giving and receiving gifts. Both years grandchildren cried AND laughed. Both years their parents yawned AND played games. Both years I loved it all.

What’s My Point?

Now that the kids are back in school and our wonky work weeks with Christmas and New Year’s vacation days are behind us, we’re settling into the rhythm of 2021.

Rhythm. Will there be a rhythm to 2021?

I think that’s part of what made 2020 so difficult. COVID interrupted our rhythm without warning or respect of person, age, or the guidelines we tried so carefully to follow.

For me, rhythm is part of what gives me hope. If I don’t know the rhythm of what’s coming, how can I know what to hope for? So maybe it’s not about the SIZE of the Christmas tree or the house we put it in. Perhaps the rhythm that’s best hoped for is more about the unseen things in this life.

Empty, Void, & Dark?

I started my new quiet time regimen with the gift I bought with birthday money: ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal. I’m not much of an artist, so I decided I’d use the lightly dotted lines on the blank pages to write God’s whispered thoughts instead of drawing them.

During my first day’s reading in Genesis, I only made it through the first five verses before the Lord stopped me with such a sweet message.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:1-2 ESV

My hubby Roy and I are going through a bit of a transitional time. Our future seems formless, uncertain–a little like an empty canvas with no paints or paint brushes at the ready. It’s a little scary, and darkness tries to make me afraid.

It’s reminiscent of how we felt during those first months of COVID. What would happen to us, our nation, our world? Some of you lost jobs, homes, even loved ones to the 2020 pandemic.

But notice the last part of v. 2: “God was hovering over the waters.”

Let There Be Light!

A formless void doesn’t scare God, and darkness can’t dwell in His Presence! So what did He do?

“God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Genesis 1:3-5

The God who hovers set about creating. He began by categorizing the scary darkness. He placed boundaries on it. Defined it. Gave it shape and meaning.

Night. Night is when we rest–as many of us did during 2020 when COVID forced us to it. Is it possible that part of the newness of God’s creation won’t completely eradicate the scary stuff but perhaps show us ways in which He is sovereign over it?

Example: Poipu’s Turtle Tidal Wave

Some friends vacationed in Hawaii during December of 2020 and were told that tourism’s decrease (because of COVID) had been rough on the islands’ economy. However, like many COVID-related adjustments, there have been some surprisingly positive things that arrived with the bad.

One of which has been the wildlife resurgence–as caught on video here at Poipu Beach. Sea turtles are again “basking”–leaving the ocean to lie on the beach–which hasn’t happened to this extent for decades! As many as 30 turtles climb ashore on this particular beach to rest on the cool sand around sunset each night.

REST. It’s one of the unexpected blessings from COVID’s quarantines and restrictions. Now that COVID seems likely to remain a part of our lives, will REST reshape our 2021? Or will we resist REST as vehemently as we resist every other part of the pandemic? Maybe it’s time to follow the turtle tidal wave!

My 3 Hopes for 2021:

So after all my pontificating about Christmases past and turtles on a beach, what exactly am I hoping for in 2021? Here’s a short list:

1. I hope to live with my mind set more on things above than below (Col. 3:2).
2. I hope to care for my family and friends better than ever before (John 15:13).
3. I hope to rest in Jesus while doing exactly what He asks of me (Mt.11:29-30).

Today’s Questions:

• What are your hopes for 2021?
• Any favorite Scripture(s) to guide you through the year?