This year is ending

2020 was horrible, and unexpected, and scary, and uncertain - but tentatively optimistic that it might end better than we expected?

2021 had this way of making the uncertainty more permanent. It sent down roots of fear, deep into our hearts. Joy drained away, and angry geysers sprung up from wells of bitterness. This year had a sinister way of sucking us dry, leaving us in a hope-drought.

It's funny, because the idea of a year ending and a new one beginning is truly just a man-made framework overlay - forcefully structured over the beautiful (and more preferable) flow of nature.

But for a moment yesterday, it was like nature communicated with me, letting me know that it too was happy to see this "dry season" end. I watched a broken tree (much like our near-broken spirits) exhaling a long, overdue sigh of relief that 2021 was finally coming to an end. The tree had been freshly broken, which is what I assume made its "breath" so visible. Its wounds were raw, and open, and vulnerable - not quite sealed with time, sap and hardened bark to protect it from the harsh elements of the world. Sounds a little bit like us, no?

And so for those few moments, we shared the same air in a very visible way. It was nice, connecting with something as timeless as a tree. Reassuring me in its simplistic display, that life goes on - even after we don't.

January 1 IS the start of our new year. However, don't forget that it's also just a little bit like December 32 too. hehehe

It's a beautiful flow, not an abrupt shift. Say goodbye to 2021, and leave it in peace as we embrace 2022 in all of its renewed hope and joy. I'm reminded of THIS SONG and so thankful that no matter if it's a new day, month, or year... His mercies are new every morning.

Hope you enjoy my special moment with that tree... you're welcome to join with us in that collective sigh! ❤️ Happy New Year! Peace, love, and joy to you all!

Photo by Erik Peterson on Unsplash

Music used in video:Distant Sunset (full version), Musician:opensound, Album:opensound, Source:https://www.vcg.com/

divider created on Canva