2020 Was the Best Year Ever!Sample

Day to Day I am that person who waits until the last minute to pack. I always have good intentions--to be that super organized person who is ready to go days before. But no. I end up hopping into bed past midnight, all wound up from the excitement and mental exhaustion of trying to remember every last detail (especially when it comes to packing for a baby, amiright?). I am also that person who packs seventeen extra outfits--just in case. I’m not one to decide on things easily (unless it’s dessert--I’ll take everything chocolate on the menu thank you very much). I end up smooshing and stomping and squeezing my suitcase until every last nook and cranny is filled and the zipper, although rebelliously, finally gives heed to my intense pulling! Doesn’t that feel like life most days?? 2020 and now 2021 have left me a paralyzed mess of a woman, cross-legged on our hardwood floor while my baby empties out all the kitchen cabinets--and I don’t even care (insert hands up emoji) because of the folded laundry on our cute church pew that’s been there for several days now-- sigh . And there are the half-scraped dishes in the sink, and the one shoe on the counter, and the rotting garlic in the galvanized produce holder and the dried dog slobber on the back patio door-- must I go on? What’s the point of trying... It’s an endless sea of unchecked to-do list boxes floating around in my brain and I suddenly feel like the disorganized version of myself hopping into an unmade bed after trying to fit too much stuff in my proverbial suitcase of the day. When I’m at the paralyzed point in life and every lego, shoe and sock I pass becomes a monster with red eyes and a sinister scowl, cackling an evil laugh in my direction, I revert to my closet--my war room--which by the way, is also in shambles (again, insert hands up emoji). In this season of life, we have to be okay with the unchecked boxes of our to-do lists. Maybe you’re trying to navigate homeschooling because your kid suddenly has to quarantine for two weeks because a friend was “covid-positive.” Maybe you’re like me with itty-bitties who are into everything. What does God tell us about the unchecked boxes? He tells us to seek first His Kingdom. I metaphorically crumpled up that to-list and started a new one. God was at the top. Then Family. Others. Myself. Those are our priorities. Yes, the dishes have to be done, the laundry has to be folded. But first… A secret place encounter with my Savior (God: check). A moment to connect with my older two while they do their chores and get ready for the day (Family: check). A spontaneous visit from a sweet friend who gifted me a beautiful book, which reminded me of a book I was compelled to give to a friend (Others: check). And now a moment to put onto paper what God has been teaching me about this season in life (Myself: check). Is the laundry still collecting dust on the church pew? Well, yes. But my paralysis has subsided and I can look to the next thing in my day. When the sudden desire to crawl into a hole swells up again, I’ll know to check that to-do box and make sure I’m seeking Him first. It’s the only way we’ll survive after a year like 2020. (that, and of course chocolate.) (I'd really love to stay in touch with you! If you'd like to know about future projects of mine, check out [ www.mrsjuliehiggins.com ](https://www.mrsjuliehiggins.com/) ! I pray this devotional touched your heart and inspired you to look for the good in all things!)