By Esther Paul- Copy Editor
It’s a new year which means folks around the country are saying, “new year, new me” but others are calling it a bluff. One thing is evident, and I think all would agree, 2020 was nuts, or as Jake Tapper would say “a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” However, I’m with the former groups and I think after a year like that, we all need a resurgence.
I am a person of Faith, so I believe after a year of drought, it’s raining season. The bible talks about there being a season, time, and purpose for everything. Even though 2020 was not ideal, I do believe there was a purpose for it and that it served it. 2020 gave us time to reflect, hone our skills, be around our household, and time to rest. For me, 2020 was a period of reflection and gratitude. Having time home and having so much happen in the world made me grateful for the little things we often take for granted — time spent with family, a breath of fresh air, life, and hugs. It also allowed me to reflect on the goodness of God and even on me as a person.
Yet, for many, they were not able to spend time with loved ones, students were prevented from going to their home countries, families were separated from their loved ones living in nursing/assisted living homes, and so many lost their jobs. Not to mention, the economy and small business did not exactly bloom. So yea, there was a drought — sadness brought everything to a standstill. For that, I am remaining optimistic for this year.
Whether it’s the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, the new president-elect, or xx, hope seems to be on the rise in the horizon. For that reason, I believe we should already be expectant for a great year.
According to G.K. Chesterton, “Hope means expectancy when things are otherwise hopeless.”
I can’t predict exactly what will happen or tell you where to look for it. I also don’t know what hardships or losses anyone faced in the past year. 2021 may not seem to offer any solace for many. However, I do believe with life there is space for growth and expectancy. To get there we need a positive mindset. There may be no scientific evidence that positive thinking harnesses good results but according to Refinery.com, “there is power in our thoughts, whether positive or negative.” Faith is the absence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. I know after the year we just had we’re all just hoping for some breakthrough. So, I will have faith that we will be reaping this season!