Cancel 2020?

I’m ready to join the “Cancel 2020” culture. To top off all the craziness that has happened in our family this year, my husband had a horrible bicycle accident this past week. I knew it was bad when I finally got to him and saw he couldn’t move. To make a long story short, he was transferred late that evening to hospital (BAMC) where there they would and could perform such a trauma case. Our hearts are broken, but at the same time encouraged that he can and will heal.

Ben and I had just been commenting on what a hard year this has been. And now this. What else? It's easy to get super discouraged during this challenging year.

I’m sure you’ve noticed, that we are in a place and time where so many are struggling. Many of you who might be reading this are dealing with cancer, another type of sickness, family or relational strife, financial challenges, wounds too deep for words or somehow affected by COVID. COVID has allowed us to see our true selves, no longer covered by the niceties of life. For me, I observed my true self coming out by not being able to see Ben while in the hospital. That was so very hard for me, yet I am one of a multitude of people who have gone through this frustration. COVID has brought on extra strife and stress to all of us. How we deal with these challenges is important. 

There are times where there are no words. I just don’t know how to walk through this trial. I’d prefer to Cancel 2020. But, as you and I know, that is not an option.

There are just some days, where I just need to out loud quote Scripture to myself.  Over and over and over. I believe God and I know He is good ALL the time. But, this feels soooo not good.

So, I’m going back to a scripture I know by heart and keep it close to my heart. I’m going to repeat it over and over and over: Nancy, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Simple verse, right? But think about each section: Trust in the Lord. Don’t lean on your understanding. Acknowledge God in everything you do. He promises to make your paths straight. Ya’ll, this is survival. This is what keeps us going!

We also need each other. I've been blown away by the prayers, encouragement, meals, phone calls of those near and far as we walk through this ordeal. It's so easy to find people to care for and encourage these days. Everyone needs encouragement! One of my favorite verses in scripture says "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (Hebrews 10:24) Wow, loving and supporting each other is such a beautiful thing! 

I’m not about to cancel 2020, because I want to learn to trust the Lord in the hard times. If everything is always perfect, how do I really know that God is trustworthy? It’s in these dark trials, that God’s light shines bright and clear. Let's trust the Lord in 2020 like never before. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus to those around us like never before. Could we possibly see God do more this year in our lives than any other year?

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.