As this topsy-turvy year races to its close, I think we all can look back and reflect on a time most of us have never seen or experienced. It’s been a time of swirling emotions–a year that’s unloaded a lion’s share of losses, illnesses, healings, and recovery. It’s an existence most of us didn’t foresee, and life just hasn’t been the same.
Our losses of income, shelter, and access to healthcare are on the rise, and living and interacting with each other through masks and at safe distances have become the necessary norm. Jobs are hard to come by, and food banks and shelters are overflowing past levels never seen before. Nowadays, most instances of non-emergency medical care are conducted via phone and online through tele appointments. It’s as if the world’s become drastically slower.
But despite the gloom of all the challenges we face, there are always positives to take away from all of the lessons this year has forced us to learn. It’s brought our families closer, and made us more stronger and resilient. We’ve surely learned that we don’t need a lot to function and be happy. Although our faith has been tested to its limits, we’ve done our best to withstand and bury all of our lingering worries, doubts, and fears. We will overcome and get through this. It’s been a year like no other, but we’re a people like no other belonging to a God like no other!
Charles R. Butts Jr. 