We Are Not In Control - A Little Light No. 11
How are you? How was the first full week of the year? I've spent this week taking a break and soaking up the California sun. Now I'm getting back into the swing of things.
2020 was the longest shortest year we’ve had, right? I brought in 2020 at a New Year Eve Party in a theater filled with hundreds of people. The week after, I went to a day party for a friend's birthday with hundreds of other people. I actually have pictures from events every weekend in January before they were considered “large gatherings” or "super spreader" events. Little did we know, this would be the last of large events for the foreseeable future.
If 2020 taught us anything, it is that we are not in control. By our power alone, we were unable to change our physical circumstances. The entire world was on lockdown, flights were canceled, streets were empty, and our lives were completely changed. Many people wish they could remove all restrictions and return to "normal". Yet, there is nothing one single person can do to make this all go away. Instead, we all grew accustomed to masks, social distancing, and dining outdoors (even in cold weather).
I’ve been reflecting on this verse: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." Psalms 24:1 Epiphany's service two weeks ago focused on the whole 24 Psalm, but the first verse continued to play in my head. I encourage reading the full Psalm. It's confirmation and a constant reminder that we are not in control. Everything belongs to God.
As I thought about my goals for 2021, I wanted to leave room to literally let go and let God. Right now, it is so easy to get bogged down by planning a full 5 part strategy to "get what you want in 2021". I've seen several videos suggested on Youtube with titles similar to "How to plan the best year yet for 2021". Last year I might have watched something similar being inspired by their advice. I didn't put much thought behind my goals. I went through the motions with everyone else just knowing that I needed something. So, I would think of all the things I just wanted to do and saved them to start on January 1st. My goals last year had meaning, but I failed to put intention into them. They were just things I knew I should be doing even outside of a January 1st start date.
This year I've switched my approach! Instead, I am slowly working through a page I created with 6 sections representing different aspects of my life. Inspired by a prayer journal recommendation, I wanted to focus on faith, family and my relationship, community, finances, serving others, and career. I thought about why and how I wanted to make each aspect a priority and included a prayer to keep me grounded. For example, communication will be key to my relationship with my family. I need to make communicating with my family a priority because every day is not guaranteed.
It's still a work in progress, but here's what I have so far.
Take this with you: I'm not saying that setting goals are not important! They're an extremely important guiding point in life. There is just so much pressure to set them during the turn of the new year. I know I've written this before, but we cannot control every moment. Relinquishing control is an important element of faith. I needed that reminder that the earth and everything in it belongs to God.