How are you doing today, friend? It’s Day 39 of quarantining/distancing in our home. If I can be honest with you, yesterday, Day 38, was a struggle for me. I wrote yesterday’s post in the morning, and at that point it already felt like it might be a difficult day. It was. I felt lonely, isolated, cooped-up here at home. I was on the verge of tears most of the day. I’m not mentioning this to receive sympathy or to be negative. No. (Remember, we’re real here.) I share this because we’re in this together. If you ever find yourself struggling in this season, you are not alone. I understand and I care.

I was reminded this morning of my 2020 word, OPEN (#open2020). As I ponder it this morning, I find it all very interesting in light of this pandemic. Here’s what I wrote about it on January 4:

My word for 2020 is OPEN.

To have an OPEN heart,
OPEN hands,
and an OPEN life.

To be OPEN to new possibilities, new opportunities, and new experiences. (Even if they are out of my comfort zone.)

To be OPEN to God’s transforming work in my life to be the woman He wants me to be. (Even if it’s uncomfortable and difficult.)

To be OPEN to give of my time, my talents, my treasure. (Even when I don’t feel like it.)

And, to live an OPEN life, for God’s glory, for the good of others, and for my growth.

From “A Word and Goals for 2020 – What are Yours?”, January 4, 2020

I really had no idea.

Oh, how safe it was to write those words in January. Back then, I had no idea what was about to hit us. I don’t think any of us did. I also had no idea how much my OPEN would be tried and tested. This almost made me laugh as I looked back this morning. Yikes! In the safety of January, and in a brand new year and decade, I had great intentions. Saying I desired to be open to new possibilities, new opportunities, new experiences. And I love what I added in the parenthesis!

I really had no idea these would be the reality that they are today. And how I would face God’s transformation in these very difficult circumstances. I had no idea, but that’s what I desired. To be open to God’s transforming work. And here I am today. Struggling in the very thing I said I wanted to be open to.

I had no idea, but God knew. He knew in how a few short months these circumstances would force me and each one of us out of our comfort zones. Out of what was familiar. Out of what was normal. And into a new reality. One where we can’t yet find our footing. One where everything is upside-down. A reality that’s uncomfortable, challenging, and all so very strange.

What about you, friend?

How is your 2020 word playing out in this pandemic?

Did you choose a word for this year? What is it? Have you thought about your 2020 word recently? In light of this pandemic? How is God using it to encourage you, to challenge you, to transform you?

After such a challenging day yesterday, I find comfort in my 2020 word today. I wish I would have remembered it in the midst of yesterday, because I think that would have helped me. Today, however, I’m using it to encourage me to keep a higher perspective. Instead of settling my thoughts on the challenge of this season, it makes sense to settle my thoughts on God and the work He’s doing in my life. To ask God to help me be open to however this is supposed to look right now, to conform my thinking to His, and to be open enough to accept a new normal.

After all, this is the verse I chose for this year (also in my January post):

Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road. Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders.

Psalm 119:17-18 MSG

Oh, how I quickly can forget. Thank you, God, for your timely reminder today.

Our 2020 words might just be the nudge we need right now to keep on keeping on.

Allow this year’s word to encourage you, grow you, strengthen you during this time. Ponder it, pray it, and practice it. Your 2020 word was perfect in January, and it’s perfect for you, right now.

Cheering you on in this today. I invite you to share your thoughts below. Thanks for being here, friend. I’m praying for you today.

Much love,