Well folks, here we are. We made it to 2021. Somehow, we made it.
The holidays were sweet. The silver lining to this pandemic is that something as simple as getting to spend the holidays with family is now seen clearly as the complete blessing that it is. We cannot take for granted the time we get with loved ones, the hugs we can give, the warmth in the room when it is filled, the joy of a meal shared. What once was so common, so ordinary, so expected…is now a true gift. This is the silver lining.
Last year for me was not at all what I expected- but yet it was everything I am grateful for. I didn’t end up back in Japan like I was dreaming of, but God had greater plans. He kept me home, kept me safe, gave me priceless time to take care of my parents, be around my family, reconnect to church, pour into young adult ministry, and lo and behold…begin a relationship with someone truly special.
And now looking ahead for this year, I see potential. I also look around in this world we live in and see chaos. But I try not to flood my mind with that. I try to see what God has placed in front of me to work on, to improve, to grow, and focus on His goodness and grace.
A few simple goals for me this year are…
Wake up early every day and pray. (specifically 6AM)
Go on as many bike rides as possible. (Ideally, weekly.)
Create more art and be less afraid to share (find me on insta: CHANIEBON)
Study Japanese (a life long mission)
Live more minimally (clear out the clothes I don’t wear, etc)
Learn to invest money wisely (why don’t they teach us this in school?)
I am praying for wisdom as I got about these goals in 2021! With the world in chaos, the little joys of each day help keep our focus on Jesus, His kingdom come. We need Jesus now more than ever. May He be our peace and safety.