This photo. This photo is a visible representation of how I feel in these first days of 2020.
I took this on Christmas Eve morning. The fog was thick, difficult to see through, much like the cold I had sustained after returning home. Fog and sickness both make everything a little bit blurry; they make everything look and feel strange and unnatural, as if something is off. That's also how I feel since being back in the States; everything feels weird and unnatural, unfamiliar and confusing.
But I believe this photo goes even deeper than that. You can’t see too far off into the distance, much how this coming year is going to be. I don’t know about you, but in this season of life, I am constantly being asked, “What’s next?” For a lot of people this question is frustrating. My typical response is a nervous laugh and an “I don’t know!”
I can see into the immediate future; beyond that, I’m uncertain. And thank God for that! If I knew what was going to happen in this coming year, I probably wouldn’t want to face it. It’s going to be hard in ways that I don’t yet understand. According to the road sign that I didn’t see until after I snapped this photo, there’s going to be danger around the corner!
But I also know that 2020 is going to have moments full of wonder. There will be much rejoicing in the faithfulness of my King. There will be evenings full of good food and friends and laughter.
I've never been one to keep a resolution or anything, but this year it's clear to me that I need a word, and God put it on my heart months ago: ABIDE. It's one of those words that isn't tangible, that is difficult to obtain. But slowly by slowly, I'm learning. Day by day, moment by moment, I am learning what it means to say "yes" to God in the mundane of life.
Through the fog and uncertainty, I will abide in Him, and He in me.
PRAYER REQUESTS
*I have shifted back to my old apartment and job, so please pray for a grace-filled transition period.
*Please pray for my people in Uganda as they close out the holiday season and get back into the swing of life.
*Please pray for the fundraising campaigns of the ladies' hostel and Kikongo boarding school!
Mansi, you are very wise and perceptive, you will make this transition very well and have so much to offer. I have full confidence in you.
Much love and admiration,
jo