We are now halfway through 2020, and I'd caught myself reminiscing on New Years Day, how I jokingly referred to this new year as "the year of Vision!" No one could possibly have predicted how accurate that statement would become.
I remember, back in the early stages of COVID-19, my friend's father described this season of quarantine as a journey. He said, "We don't know where we'll end up, but we get to choose how we get there. How do you want to walk in this journey into the unknown?"
We didn't know how long this would last or how deep the impact would be. Honestly, in the middle of it, we still don't have a final vision for riding out these unprecedented times. But it has become a personal journey. I've spent the last few months reading. Some books were old favorites (I will never get tired of Harry Potter), and some have strengthened my convictions in what I believe to be true in the world. Hopefully, you are encouraged to continue in your own experience.
I truly believe every one has unique gifts and a unique purpose; many people I've spoken with feel that the vision they've held for themselves, is on pause. But what if it isn't? This is a path we haven't tread before, so we may be able to expand our vision to see something new for ourselves, to chase after what we know is true and good. Maybe this is a season of rest, maybe it's meant to be a time to gather yourself and recharge. Perhaps your vision changes into something different that becomes equally important to you as the original idea. But your time is still valuable, your work is important, and you can still have a lasting impact.
It's been a hard year for all of us. To those of you who have lost jobs, canceled celebrations, to those who mourn the loss of loved ones, know you are seen. You are heard. You are loved. For those of you who are stressed, emotionally and physically exhausted, carrying the weight of the world, your emotions are valid. What you are feeling matters. You are not forgotten. You are valuable, and it is okay to rest. You are not alone; we are listening and we are here for you.