In reflecting back on 2020, I do not think that anyone could have predicted the amount of change that we would see in just a year. I remember when COVID just came out and air travel around the world was shutting down. Food and other necessary items became scarce. Churches and schools shut down. The economy as well took a downward turn. Could anyone have predicted this? However, for me, the greatest tragedy this year are the lives that were lost. COVID has taken so many lives that I do not think anyone has been untouched by its effects. We too have lost great friends and those who were also leaders in this ministry of helping to train children’s and youth leaders.
I remember seeing the beginning of the pandemic coming up on the news. The predictions of lives that were to be lost was unbelievable. I also remember silently looking around and hoping and praying that it would not touch our family or anyone we knew. Sadly, though we did see loss. Our loss may not have come from COVID directly, but the loss was felt.
However, with great loss also comes a sense of thanksgiving and appreciation. We can appreciate life and the gift we have received from Jesus in remembering that Jesus died for all. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that when the pain is too much, we know that Jesus died for that. I am so thankful to know that the friends we lost this year knew Jesus and served him faithfully. I am thankful that I was blessed by their friendship and saw their faith grow. I am also reminded of how short life is.
Is there anything that you have been putting off? Are you sure of your relationship with Jesus? Are there people that you would like to impact? Would you like to make a difference in the world somehow? Somehow, now seems like the right time to go and do juts those things.
If you are looking for something for your students to do to welcome the new year….
Check out a free resource found on Teachers Pay Teachers: