I can go three days without washing my hair.
This is just one of my personal discoveries over the past few months while we were tucked away in our homes. For a girl whose hair desperately needed a daily wash, this took a lot of willpower, but I realized that I’m okay, it’ll be okay, I can do this. (And apparently it’s healthier…any hair stylists out there that can attest?)
Remember when 2020 used to mean excellent vision…. or watching a dramatic episode on TV (20/20)? Now, when you say 2020, just throw open the thesaurus to the word “unbelievable” and pick any synonym to describe it.
No matter what word you choose, we can all agree that this year did not take God by surprise, and I find great peace in that. He has given me time to self-reflect and allowed me to put a few things into perspective. Here are a few other lessons I learned:
Don’t “over- expect” things from my children. I have just a few more years before my first child goes to college. I’ve realized how much time I have spent making them do this and do that, when in reality, they just want to play and be kids.
Sure, I need to teach them to read their Bible, unload the dishwasher, and put their clothes away, but to get upset about them forgetting their manners once in a while, it was getting to be too much. I’m grateful that God chose me to mother them, they are such precious gifts, and I pray that I do it well. I shall relax for now since I still have some time to drill in maintenance of good manners!
Another lesson I learned is that TEACHERS ARE INCREDIBLE! I once had a dream that I would homeschool my children. Well, that dream came true for a few months this year. Little did I know how much patience one must have to educate young minds. My heart is full of gratitude for every single educator who puts a smile on his or her face for our children and builds them up to be great world changers. We HONOR you. Thank you a hundred times!!
How about you? What have you learned about yourself in 2020?
Extra time has given us all a chance to self-reflect. In the Bible, David says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23-24 NIV
Maybe there’s some tweaking to be made, and change can be painful. If we are better for it, though, it was all worth it. I hope that as we near the end of this year, it can be a time of grateful reflection for you and a time to make some life changes.
Now, excuse me, while I go wash my hair.
~Elizabeth (Betsy)
