Fallen Lessons of 2019 by Lynn J Simpson

Sandi Somers’ words that started our 2020 postings at Inscribe Writers Online inspired me to reflect on my past year, too. First, I went back to my own words here from January , 3^rd, 2019.

For a decade now, my friend, Marne, and I have been meeting at the closing of December to review the past year and make new goals for the upcoming year. She’s called me her “goal queen.” But this time, as I sipped peppermint tea, my goal notebook unopened on her office table, I found my stomach tensing whenever she uttered “goals.” I’d bristle like I’d just leaned against the needles of a cactus.

Maybe my resistance was due to the incompletions of last year’s goals.  Or maybe the tension was due to my resistance of letting go and letting God take the lead…

How fascinating, especially considering I’d just spent, on January 1^st, 2020, a lovely afternoon with Marne to chat about —yes!—our aspirations for this new year. 

And what surprise did Marne have on hand for me? Well, an exercise of reflection, of course as that is how our God works, titled “A Look Back + A Look Forward.”

So, will you take this journey with me, my dear readers, on a few questions? I encourage you to grab your writing instrument of choice, cover my words on each reflection, and write down your answers. 

A Look Back

How would you describe your past year in two sentences? 

There were moments of complete joy especially while helping a friend create content for a cause I know will be a blessing for many, and when watching my granddaughter and her friend create cake creations during a Nailed It birthday party theme I planned. Much frustration, though, knocked me down and out this year, draining my energy and decreasing my joy.  

What made you feel energized/drained? What did you learn?

Energized: When connecting with others, either in engaging conversation that led to insights, or sharing my knowledge that helped build their creations. 

Drained: When work problems exceeded the successes. 

What did I learn? Service to others through sharing my knowledge, skills, or by just showing up fills me. And although an introvert, connecting with others is necessary to fuel my introverted activities like my writing.  My work problems can be easier handled if I fill my joy cup with service and connections to others. 

What were your joys/heartaches? What did you learn?

Surge of joy while practicing cross-over turns during skating lessons (figure skating lessons a bucket list item I was so happy to do at 54 years-old!) and chatting on ice with the other regulars at early morning public skating. Then heartache when a fall in the icy arena parking caused a broken wrist and no more skating for 4 to 6 months. What I have learned so far on this healing bone journey is why God wants me to be joyful in all circumstances as it is this joy He wants for me that fuels me to be my best. And also to be graceful even in life’s falling moments. 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

A Look Forward

Describe your year in two sentences now that you’ve reflected on the highs, lows, and everyday moments of this past year. Although a fall caused a set-back and frustrations with work felt overwhelming, I was not crushed. I’ve learned lessons about myself through my trials of 2019, am more compassionate including toward those with bone breaks, and see how God is bending me toward His goals, not mine. 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm16:11

My word for the year? What do you think it might be?

What did God teach you in 2019?

Lynn writes on faith, hope and love at Lynn J Simpson. Although she can't hold a camera presently, you can find her past photography at Instagram and Photography

Future Tense - Marcia Lee Laycock

2010. It seems like future time. Wasn’t it just yesterday that 1984 was so far away we thought we’d never get there? Then came 2000, a new millennium. And on we go. The years race after one another as though they are competing in the Indy 500. And I can’t keep up. Maybe I’m feeling my age. The big 60 is looming and I just can’t wrap my head around the idea. I’m also conscious of wanting to “do something” with my life, wanting to make my life count with the remaining time I have left. I want to write the best novel I can and see it widely read. I want to speak to as many audiences as I can reach. I want to fulfill what God’s will is for me in the coming year. It makes the future seem a little tense.

But then I read a verse like “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…” John 3:36, and John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And I am encouraged. It’s all so simple, really. Just believe. Suddenly the pressure to perform, the pressure to “do something” fades. God has a plan and it’s a good one. He knows what books I’ll write and what He’ll do with them. He knows what audience’s I’ll speak to and how he’ll direct my words to their hearts and minds and accomplish His purposes.

And I know he has a greater future planned for me – eternal life.

Eternal life. I can’t wrap my mind around that concept, either, but I know it’s a promise I can count on, because my God is faithful and merciful beyond knowing.
And I know it’s not going to be a boring life. It’s going to be so full we’ll have to be glorified to contain it. Wow. Now that’s a concept! Glorified, as he was - like Jesus. Able to stand before God almighty. Able to talk with angels. Perhaps able to write words that will flow directly from his heart to mine. The mind boggles.

There are a lot of dark clouds looming in the future, according to almost any forward looking “seer” you might choose to listen to. But the concepts mentioned above blow them all out of the water. There is no need to stress over what to do with our lives when we know He is in control. There is no reason to fear a future in which our bodies will be transformed, able to walk on water and slide through solid walls, as Jesus did. There is no need to shudder at a future where God’s Spirit, His unconditional love, grace and mercy will be poured out on his people in ways that will astonish even the most sceptical. There is no logic in trembling at a future in which God’s own Son will invite us to join him in ruling a new earth and a new heaven.

Sound fantastic? Sound too good to be true? I agree. But I have chosen to listen and believe what God has declared – “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

2010. Hallelujah, here we come!