One Year Later: 5 Things to Do in 2021 That Will Help with 2020
Photo by Jungwoo Hong from Unsplash
It was a little over a year ago when the world as we knew it changed. COVID-19 came in our lives and transformed the way we related to just about everything. From public gatherings, to education, to face masks as the new fashion accessory-- COVID-19 changed us all. For years to come we’ll remember this season of time. My son’s generation will most likely be known as “the COVID generation.” We need tools that will help us process the significance of this moment without destabilizing our identity in Christ.
Many people have asked the question: Why? Why did this happen? Why did it happen to me? Why now?
These questions are good, and completely understandable, but satisfying answers are hard to come by when dealing with so many variables outside of human control. And yet, we all experienced it and we need a way to process these changes. Maybe, there are better questions like: How do I deal with the pain of 2020? And, what do I do now?
Here are the five things I believe can help us move into the possibility of a COVID-19 free future with the joy of Christ:
1. Acknowledge that we are different. The entire world has had a life-changing experience; no one gets out of this season the same way they walked in. Acknowledging that we’ve changed is a key to understanding how and why we’ve changed. Some of us have taken up new hobbies and projects, some have withdrawn and reflected, and some of us have realized how truly important our family is to us. Acknowledging changes, big and small often gives us permission to consider where and what God may be calling us. We know how challenging change can be but we can take comfort in the truth of Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (NIV)
2. We need to feel our feelings. This one is especially hard for those of us who’d rather just keep busy and stay distracted. However, we have all been touched by loss this past year. Whether it’s been the loss of a loved one, or losing out on important events, family traditions, or milestones. We have all felt the grief of not being able to say goodbye and resolve chapters in our lives. Let’s be honest: it hurts; and our emotions need space to breathe. If we don’t acknowledge our pain, we run the risk of making unhealthy choices to cope with our bottled up discomfort. No one likes the sensation of emotional pain. It makes us feel out of control. But the good thing is-- they’re just feelings! It’s like my counselor says to me, "Tony, just because you have feelings doesn't mean you have to do anything with them." We can turn to Jesus and each other and remember that God “heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 NIV)
3. Give thanks! Gratitude is a lot more than just “a practice.” For followers of Christ, it is a way of life. It should be one of the coping skills of a Christian. Giving our gratitude to God everyday is not only the right thing to do (because he is so good) but studies show it can change the way our mind works and improve our physical health. Even when you don’t feel grateful! There is no downside to this simple act. Give thanks, even when it is as simple as giving thanks for the hugs in your life. “Rejoice always,pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thes. 5: 16-18 NIV)
4. Be in community with God and people. Carey Nieuwhof is a podcaster I listen to, and one of the things he says is, "Community is the new currency of 2021." I couldn't agree with Carey more. And now more than ever we need family. God made us to be in his family and in family with each other. Sadness can drive us to isolate ourselves from people and from God, and that’s never good! We need the loving voice of Jesus within us and the wisdom of friends around us. Whoever those people are for us, whether it’s our family of origin or our family-by-choice, we need to be in meaningful relationships. We’re more likely to be open to the voice of God in our lives and the people who love us if we are actively participating in, and nurturing those relationships. It also means we will be equipped to be the light of Christ for others in their times of need. Take time to think about where friendships are made. It could be at church, during sports, or with our neighbors. We need to be with God and people. Go hang out! “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matt.18:20 NIV)
5. Don’t deal with it alone. Everyone has coping mechanisms. When those coping mechanisms get ripped away, managing stress becomes a lot harder. When we feel like we are running out of options; when we feel lost and over overwhelmed we must: GET HELP! I have been seeing a counselor for the last seven years, and it makes me a much better human. I don't know if you need one, but I do know if you are dealing with something heavy you may need some help lifting your burden. Our heavenly Father does not expect us to do hard things (or anything, really) on our own. He’s good like that. There is no shame in admitting we don’t have everything together. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
COVID-19 has changed all of us. When it comes to matters of the heart/mind/spirit, ignorance is not bliss. The truth is, not dealing with the effects of the pandemic makes life so much harder than it needs to be and God wants so much more for us!
Tony Miltenberger is the Lead Pastor at Restoration Church, and the host the Reclamation Podcast which focuses on reclaiming good practices for faith and life. You can find out more at reclamationpodcast.com or follow Tony on Instagram @twmilt.