“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (1 Chron. 16:34)

Most of us had high hopes that 2021 would be better than 2020. For some people, I’m sure that was true. But for many others, the tragedy, discord, and chaos continued. For me, like many other years, 2021 was a mix of both good and bad.

A few years ago, I started a practice at the beginning of the year where I find three words to describe the previous year. Now, I’m sure you have some choice words for 2021, as we all do, but my words aren’t good riddance, 2021, even though that would be fitting. Instead, I want to focus on the positive.

The following three words summarize 2021 for me:

Creativity

And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. (Ex. 35:31–33)

In 2021, my word for the year was create. Of course, it applies to my writing life—I published two books and started writing another one.

Create also applies to other areas: I created space in my home by clearing out items I don’t need, I created space in my life for friends, and I created space in my mind to learn more about God. I also created with food. If you follow my Facebook author page, you know I like to cook and experiment with recipes until they are to my liking—I can be a picky eater!

Enlarge

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!” (1 Chron. 4:10)

The word enlarge applies to my business, which grew with the addition of several long-term contracts for grant writing, blog writing and editing, and proofreading.

My circle of friends enlarged when I joined an online Bible study group, Within the Word, and I continue to pray for God to enlarge my capacity to love others.

Goodness

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Ps. 23:6)

God’s goodness has shone through the darkness of the past year. In the middle of the heartache, disappointments, and changes, he was always there, providing strength and comfort.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the lessons of 2021: creativity, enlargement, and your goodness. As we move into 2022, help us to find strength in your presence and comfort in the fact that you never leave us. Amen.