Wowsa!
2021 was another doozy of a year, wasn't it?
We encountered waves of uncertainty as additional strains of Covid pummeled our nation. We experienced losses of many kinds and continue to face adjustments to this "new way" of engaging with the world around us.
It was a good year to focus on being steadfast, stubbornly holding on to faith and family.
Steadfastness truly is about being determined, standing firm, and remaining consistent especially in times of stress...like living through a pandemic!
Being steadfast is sticking to something when your patience is wearing thin, persevering despite the odds.
Sometimes it felt like I was plodding along with minimal visible progress toward a long-term goal.
Other times steadfastness was
summoning the energy to follow through on a "good intention" to reach out to a friend or support a family member going through a major life event. Indeed, sympathy cards and gifts have been an ongoing reminder of the tough year we've endured.
One of my goals for the year was to read through the Bible chronologically. Those days of marching through Leviticus required some tenacity - as well as the final round of Revelation.
"Be steadfast, immovable, always ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord you labor not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58
Admittedly, I struggled with the ABOUNDING part of this. My energy has waxed and waned given whatever stressors were occurring at the time. I've had to dig down deep to resurrect my inner grit multiple times this year. What about you?
As we explored Steadfastness as a group in August, I continued to add to my Word for the Year page. Each time I revisited the page and reviewed the verses on it, my spirit was boosted by the Lord's faithfulness in showing me new insights.
So many verses have resonated with me and uniquely applied to particular situations. Isn't God good like that??
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." Isaiah 26: 3-4
Our family getaways this year involved lots of nature...mostly refreshing, sometimes invigorating...and a few times downright necessary to pull out some steadfastness!
Keeping up with active boys is no easy task!
Having travel companions that push you out of your comfort zone, yet support you each step of the way is priceless. God certainly knew what He was doing when he put us in small pack units to practice in, right?
During family challenges it's always interesting to see which member steps up in a strong way or does the gritty chores of camping without complaining.
Sometimes support is offered quietly by sharing a glove as an unexpected windchill fiercely badgers you along a mountain ridge.
Whether your adventure is a health challenge or climbing a mountain, the Lord is steadfast in His mercy and grace.
"Count it all joy... when you face trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3
If nothing else, the relentlessness of 2021 has provided many opportunities for us to practice leaning into Him as our ultimate Companion. We've had copious lessons this year to nudge us deeper into His Word and invest in relationships that nurture our souls.
I'm grateful for the beauty He's shown us along the way.
As we say farewell to 2021 and its weighty burdens, let us acknowledge the new perspectives we've gained and the wisdom we've cultivated.
"And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4
Here's to a brighter 2022, my friends!
Printable resource by Deborah Haddix: Word for the Year