As I look back on 2020, it is hard not to feel alittle shocked at what all happened. But, more than anything, I am filled with gratitude for all the Lord has taught us in the midst of the mess.

There seemed to be a great anticipation for 2020- everyone was ready for a year of “2020 Vision” jokes and the start of the “Roaring 20’s pt.2” (LOL). & The Lawleys were READY for a fresh year, as well. 2019 had brought us so much heartbreak, confusion, and doubt. We walked through the loss of our first child Nathaniel through miscarriage. Both Zach and I left jobs we loved and transitioned into new adventures that failed to meet expectations and left us questioning the Lord’s guidance. We left behind things we had seen the Lord bless for things that just didn’t seem to click. After a hurricane of a year, we longed for something steady. We felt uprooted. So, naturally, we picked rooted as our focus word for 2020.

We were expectant for those roots as 2020 began. We were hopeful for them, and with great reasons to hope. The Lord had blessed us with another little life that was growing strong in my womb, we were gaining traction in our jobs, and we moved into a beautiful new home in the community both of us work. And the Lord did indeed allow us to grow roots this year in the way we asked Him. The Lord answered our prayers for a deeper community, a house to host people in, a healthy baby boy, and numerous other prayers that seemed like impossible requests at the time. But God was up to much more than that.

You see, the focus of 2020 wasn’t the new roots forming. It was the old roots- the ones that had been growing long before.

The roots that had grown as a result of life’s biggest storms. The firm focus we had on who God is and what He has done for us. The deep, deep love we have for the Lord and each other because of the faithfulness we have experienced. Just as He told us (John 16:33), the waves and wind came for all of us for 2020. Although it was a great year in many ways for us, we were not immune. Expectations were flipped upside down. Deep hurt and raw emotions were felt.

But our roots- the ones that had been watered through so many storms- those roots grown deep down into Jesus held us steady through it all.

Unwavering hope. Light in the darkness. Peace when there seems to be none. Rest when we are weary. Freedom from all guilt and shame. Joy for our sorrow. That is what Jesus offers.

Never have I been more thankful for a firm foundation in Jesus and never has my desire for the whole world to taste and see of His goodness been deeper.

Thank you, Jesus, for all that you did in 2020. Here’s to 2021- May it be for your glory, God.