Exactly 363 days ago I wrote about all my hopes and dreams and goals for 2019. Like I wrote then, I love the start of a new year or even just a new quarter or month. There is so much hope and possibility - who knows what will happen! While everyone else is posting those memes about the strange week that is Christmas to New Years, I’ve been dreaming big dreams for 2020 and reflecting on 2019. 

Truth be told, I accomplished almost none of my 2019 goals. I mean I did get a new job and got to celebrate in Acadia and I was also only ten books shy of 52 books on the year so it’s not like the year was a total wash. Mostly though, I grew more than I had anticipated and also experienced God’s goodness in ways I never really imagined I would. 

I think if I look back the theme that God was speaking over my life this year was that His ways are the best ways and His way is love. I was reminded of my limitations compared to His infiniteness. I was reminded that love is being patient and kind. He reminded me that loving the marginalized and discriminated is more important than looking cool. He reminded me that being a woman is a gift and I’m allowed to be strong and brave and passionate because that’s who He’s created me to be. He reminded me that He is the only thing worth living for and to put Him above everything. He also reminded me that He provides.

I’ve prayed big prayers in 2019 and seen them answered. I’ve had some really hard conversations with friends and had at least one end well. We take a win when we can. But mostly I’ve just been resting in His goodness. That doesn’t mean I’ve processed everything perfectly but it does mean that I’ve been trying to process hurt and pain and brokenness in light of His goodness and tried things I never thought I could do because I was resting in who He is and who I am not. 

As I go into 2020 I’m trying not to hyper focus on all the fun things ahead (like getting married) but rather taking it slow and remember what I’ve learned this year and what sort of “unforced rhythms of grace” I want to develop.

My verse for 2020 is Matthew 11:28-30 - the Message version has been particularly convicting:

"“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

2020 is the year of great change and also the year of living freely and lightly with God. It’s a year of simple goals and resting. It’s a year of eliminating hurry and striving and a year of resting joy in His presence. 

What was your favorite part of 2019? What are you excited for in 2020?