Looking back at 2020, ahead to 2021
- Bob Hanna: Someday
- December 16, 2020
- 712
So I got to thinking (I do that occasionally) about this past year and how drastically our lives have changed. The old saying, “If I knew then what I know now, I would ... ” doesn’t really work. What would you have done different? I’m not aware of anyone who predicted a pandemic for 2020, at least outside of the conspiracy theories. Who could have predicted we would be hoarding toilet paper and manufacturing hand sanitizer in whiskey plants?
An election divided a nation from left to right, from conservative to liberal, from democracy to socialism — law and order questioned and our civil servants under attack, media being used as a weapon of censorship of the truth and elected officials trying to impeach the president.
For us, 2020 was a year that will probably go down as a milestone in our family’s history. In our prayers we asked God for guidance as to whether or not to retire early at 64 and face new challenges. This, in our lives, has been proven to be a good decision, allowing us time to reset our lives before everything shut down.
The sale of our farm in May was difficult enough without adding the restrictions of COVID-19. I remember Junior Miller of Kauffman Realty walking into our shop and telling him God had sent him to us to spearhead the sale. Hours and days and months of seeking our new place, searching websites and driving many miles to check out potential homes and months of packing and moving everything to Kentucky kept us focused on the tasks at hand, allowing God to prepare the way.
What will you remember from this past year? I would say a good majority of us have friends and family who have been affected or taken from us by COVID-19, other illnesses or tragic accidents. What about your good memories of 2020? I didn’t want to insinuate this past year was all bad. These are the things we need to hold on to, the good things. Some parents would say having their children at home more was a blessing, and some not so much. Other people have expressed their satisfaction of working from home day to day. We all will have stories and memories to share in the future of this past year.
On to the new year, 2021, I’ve not been one too keen on making New Year’s resolutions, but when you think about it, my Someday philosophy is kind of the same thing. What is it you’ve been wanting to do or accomplish? What is it that’s holding you back — time, money, ambition, age?
You want to do these things someday, but all these things get in your way. Other than age, these are things you — yes, you — can change if (big if) you are willing to try and all of them are tied together.
First, a reality check: keep your somedays dream within reach. No, I’m not planning on running a 26-mile marathon, but I’ve seen and heard incredible stories of people overcoming incredible limitations to accomplish this feat.
All these things also are tied to your source of income. I know many including some in my own family who have taken on second jobs to pay off debt to reach their goals. This requires sacrifice and commitment. I understand many have lost their jobs or have been laid off during this time of shutdown. Maybe it’s time to look into a new occupation, something new that’s been on your mind but were afraid to try.
Whatever your obstacle, first thing above all is to seek God’s guidance. I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. He is the one who can make it possible. He is the one who can help you achieve your somedays.
Dream your dreams. Chase your dreams. Achieve your dreams.
God bless!