We hear and read so often that people are thrilled to say goodbye to the year 2020 because of all the stress, bad news, and trauma it has brought to the U.S. and to the entire world through Covid-19 and all of the ramifications of it. While it is true that for thousands, even millions, this has been a difficult and depressing year. With the loss of family and friends in this pandemic, as well as other illnesses, death, accidents, and relationship tragedies, many grieve as this year “finally” ends, looking forward to the bells tolling the beginning of 2021. Complicating the pandemic has been the unrest in our country.

As far as Ron and I are concerned, God is in control, regardless of what it looks like now. In Scripture we are told that God is the Great Physician who created miraculous healings. He is in charge of the pandemic, even though it may look to you that He is sitting back with His arms crossed, doing nothing while far too many die. We are also told that God is the one who raises leaders (presidents and kings) up and takes them down, in His time. And His time is when He knows it’s best for all of us.  He is the One who guides our footsteps and directs our paths, (see Psalm 23) and our best choice is to allow Him to do so.

Let’s face it: both 2020 and 2021 are simply dates on our calendars – not sentences to better or worse conditions. New Year’s Eve is just another night – not real cause for celebration. New Year’s Eve celebrations began some 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon and took place in the month of March. We celebrate on the 1st of January, which stems from the two-faced god Janus. One face of Janus looked to the past, and the other to the future.

Ron and I will enjoy a nice supper, a drink of sparkling Martinelli’s, and perhaps the company of good friends (only 2). For us, it’s just an excuse to enjoy those we love and care about. And on the 1st, we will thank the Lord for how He has led us in the past and for the way He will continue to do so in the future, whatever it brings.

Our prayer for each of you is that you will lean on His everlasting arms thanking Him for whatever He will bring in the future. Do determine to continue your emotional growth and positive changes that come from it. Stay in the conversation and in the process of recovery. If you can, form groups and study together! In this, you will have a blessed New Year!

Know that products are available at www.fixablelife.com. A new and updated book, “Free At Last,” is now available there. Increasing numbers of articles and blogs are also available for your enjoyment and edification. Take advantages of the positive changes being made now that our ministry is at Andrews University, under the leadership of Petr Cincala, Ph.D.