There are two ways to look at, well, nearly everything! One can choose to see the negative or the positive, the pain or the gift.
By way of example, let's talk about 2021. Here are my negative thoughts on those days when I am forgetting that there is a God in heaven who orchestrates all things:
This year has been even worse than last year...as if THAT were possible!...but apparently it is. I had to teach almost all year in a mask. This alone makes for a bad year. People are so afraid of this virus and continue to walk around in fear. Inflation is up almost 7% in Atlanta. My 2% raise doesn't help a lot with that. Gas is ridiculous. In fact, the economy is on the verge of who knows what. And people, things are only going to get worse. I have three hormonal teenagers sulking around the house. I am pretty sure that my fifth grader is the only one around here that still likes me. Troy has been gone a lot, taking kids on trips and visiting his mom in Mississippi, which leaves me holding down the fort more than I would like. I still weigh the same thing I weighed last year, despite effort to weigh less. My son's football team scored once, ONCE, all season long. I am like a free Uber service for my kids on some days, taking them here and there. And speaking of driving, I swear I came inches away from being t-boned on Jones Bridge Road, just days ago.
Are you depressed yet?
Let me now describe the very same year in a very different way.
2021 has been another year of blessing for us. I was able to continue teaching 6th graders, which I adore, and I even got to take my mask off about a month ago. Things feel almost back to normal. Vaccinations are available for nearly every age, and they are helping us to return to national health. I work for a county who recognizes that teachers should be honored, and so I will soon receive a mid-year bonus and a mid-year raise. That will really help combat rising prices. I have four healthy children who are growing stronger. Despite being in the throes of puberty, they are making friends, passing (most of) their classes, and loving their church small groups. Will adored playing football this year and even got to try his hand at quarter-backing during one game. Troy is truly the best dad ever and has taken both Cate and Alana on daddy-daughter trips this year. Not to mention that he is an amazing son and regularly goes to see his mama. My health is great and I have hardly been sick all year. Our home is secure, our cars still work (despite almost qualifying as "antiques"), and my Accord's brakes held up a few weeks ago so that I stopped inches before being t-boned on Jones Bridge Road.
See, same year, different lenses. When I remember that a good Father is chasing after me with goodness and mercy (to quote Psalm 100), I see a whole different story.
That said, what has YOUR 2021 been like?