I wrote this back in December of 2020, but I was timid about posting it online. I was afraid people would jump to assuming I was making a political statement. I’m really not. This is more a question about value.
If I were to sum up the collective mood of nearly everyone I have interacted with this year, I would describe it as withdrawn discouragement. I have often seen the same in myself. How can anyone go on caring about anything after a year like 2020? I think we all have a nagging fear that as soon as something matters to us, it will be taken away as a cruel joke of God/fate. Christmas time is normally the most hectic—and supposed to be the most cheerful—time of year. This year it is neither and we're all feeling a bit lost. Again, how does one spread good cheer in a year like 2020. I won't tell you to obey or disobey your state, local, or national government, but I would encourage you to take a step back this year and reevaluate what is important to you. What do you hold most dear? Have you been forced to let your grasp on that thing go? Are you okay with that?
Now, two years later, I would no longer describe the collective mood as withdrawn discouragement. I think it has since descended further into what can only be described as sarcastic nihilism. I would plead with you to not let your circumstances, your culture, or your government dictate what you value. Moving forward, life may look different that we remember it. But that has always been the case.
Keep loving those around you. Keep bettering yourself. Keep forgiving. Keep running to Jesus when you fail at all three.