Our family of four will escape for some desperately needed time away. Somewhat off the grid. I haven’t spoken the words aloud to many, not wanting to jinx it. I’ve lacked confidence that it could happen. Or would happen. Our flight arrangements have been changed by the airlines three times. But with trepidation, we will kick off 2021 in Nosara, Costa Rica where our neighbors will be toucans and monkeys, not wearing masks.
2020 in the Rear View Mirror
I, like so many of you, will be very glad to see 2020 in the rear view mirror. It has been a hard year, an emotional year. And this Christmas has felt especially heavy. This year has been full of dying moments. Loss upon loss of loved ones, relationships, events, life as we knew it. At times it has felt too much to bear. Our natural human tendency is to strive to clean up the exterior, smile and press on. But in my experience, it doesn’t work that way.
The Process of Loss
When mourning a loss of any kind, we experience grief. While it may differ in degree it applies whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the loss of your health, the loss of your business, the loss of a dream or even the loss of the energy to keep on keeping on. And grief is like thin ice. We walk on it gingerly, hoping to make it to the other side. But its fragility is unpredictable. Grief will grip you without warning. It consumes your mind and demands your attention. When ignored, the weight of the burden will take you under. In that moment you can’t move on. You get stuck in the yuck of what was.
What Can We Do?
How do we cope? How is it possible to leave the ‘dying moments’ the losses, the disappointments, the dark clutter of 2020 behind?
Remember the familiar 23rd Psalm? Tucked away in verse 5 is the key for me. I invite you to re-read my entire article. A Place at the King’s Table.
Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
An Invitation
Jesus invites us to sit at a table “in the presence of our enemies.” Those enemies are our ‘dying moments,’ those burdens in our lives that threaten us and steal our joy. Positive thoughts can’t shoo them away and our busy schedules don’t erase them.
The truth is, we can’t rid them without the Lord’s intervention. They will lurk in the shadows UNTIL they are are brought into the light. And when they’re brought to the light, slowly and surely He transforms them, redeems them. Re-purposes them for good.
As you turn the page of the calendar to a New Year, I invite to spend time at the King’s table. Allow the Lord to redeem your losses and carry you across the ice into 2021.
That is my plan. See you on the other side.
For His Glory, Debbie Hucke
P.S. There may or may not be a blog article next Wednesday. As you spend time with the Lord in prayer this new year, I recommend that you consider a word for 2021. If you’d like some direction from Dayspring … take this short quiz to learn the word they recommend for you. Word for 2021
Debbie, thank you for sharing. For all of us living through 2020 (and especially for you and your family) I am reminded of a quote attributed to Corie Ten Boom, “You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have.”. So many have so much this year, yet God still is near.
kirk
Amen Kirk. Clinging.
Thank you, Debbie. I took the Day Spring quiz and my word for 2021 is Overcome.
Overcome… now ponder that!
Wow! That was just what we needed to hear Debbie! Thank you, thank you.
We are so sorry about your brother and mourn with you and your family.
Betsy and Randy
Thx Betsy. Believing in His goodness. Praying to see His goodness.
You have been one of Christ’s lights to me in 2020. I wish I could give you a hug back. One thing , one Person we haven’t lost this year is the Living Christ. I’ve been more aware of Him when distractions of my own plans have been stripped away. May he bless you and your family in 2021. You are not only precious to him but to so many of us! Thank you for being you, Debbie.
Thank you Anne. You have been a constant and appreciated encouragement.
Debbie,
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of your brother.
Our prayers and love go with all of you.
Praying for a nice getaway for your family. God be with you–always.
Ginger
Thank you Ginger.
I am praying for you and your family. Yes, God is meeting you in every moment. May your time away be refreshing and peace filled.
Hugs to you my warrior friend!
Amen Shelley. Thank you.
Enjoy your trip to Central America, your family certainly deserves it. Happy 2021.
Thanks John
Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. 2020 has been a difficult year for your family. Blessings and love to you as you travel to Costa Rica for some rest and relaxation. May your time away bring you peace.
Ellen
thank you Ellen
Debbie,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you all a relaxing time on your vacation getaway. Not so sure how that would be for me with swinging monkeys ???? all around????. My grandkids would love it!
Happy New Year
Love to you all ♥️
Thank you Barb
Oh, Debbie — I was so sad to hear of your brother’s passing. Our prayers are with your entire family as you move through these days of grief! And, we also pray that your nuclear family has a safe, rejuvenating time on your trip! Thank you for sharing your heart…we trust that “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge”… in time. Psalm 90: 4
Thank you Cathy! Yes in search of refuge for sure.
May you enjoy your family as you rest in your time away. So very sorry on the loss of your brother. I can not imagine. May you feel God presence vividly…..
Thank you Gail. ????
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. It has been an exceedingly tough year for you and your family. Grieve, regenerate, and rest. Enjoy time away with your loved ones.
Thank you Judie.
So sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. Your family has certainly had a trying year. Know that god will wrap his arms around you and give you peace. Enjoy your trip.
Thank you Emmy!
Debbie,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I know this year has been a tough year for you & your family. Have a restful retreat in Costa Rica with family. Praying that the coming year will bring a relief from the covid & less restrictions for everyone. Be blessed. Paula
Thank you Paula.
As always, Debbie, beautifully said.
My thoughts are with you and family. Get some rest and peace.
Thank you Kerry.
Here’s hoping your plans worked out. Know that many are in prayer for your family. Loved your article so moving, I’m going to share it with Jerry. Know that your family are in my prayers.
Thank you Dottie. Prayers are sustaining me.
Dearest Debbie,
Thank you for your insight and honesty. This past year has been unrelenting in sorrow and crises and change for you. Please relax and enjoy ever moment in P.R. We love you and will continue to be praying for your peace and rehabilitation. Sheila
Thank you Harris’. So appreciate your prayers.
Debbie,
My prayers are with you and your family during this dying moments. My heart aches to hear your grieving yet another lost, my friend.
Enjoy the Toucans and the monkeys in Costa Rica. They can give some comfort for sure. And some smiles perhaps.
Thank you Frida. ????
The word is surely “hope.” Debbie, we’re so sorry about the loss of your brother. May this family time away afford you healing. When my brother died in an accident, our family time away was a time of respite. May you share an uncomplicated grief with each other and feel God’s love.
Thank you Ruthie