My 20 Takeaways from 2020. (Post #78)

I pray this helps, and it's been a blessing reconnecting with you at the end of this year.  I pray to see more of you in 2021. ​

Once again, 365 days later, and here we are.  In less than 24 hours, the year 2020 will be history.  
 
2020.  You literally had to live it to believe it.
 
​I can't lie; this year has definitely been one for the books. It has been humbling, transformative, reformative, and stressful.  This was the year that made me better.  I'm thankful to note that I definitely ended the year a lot better than I started it.  This year is hard to capsulate.  There are so many facets of 2020 that I’m still processing; however, what I’ve learned has been essential. 

Still, it has been said that the one thing we learn from history is that we don't learn from history.  I did this in 2019, and I'd like to do it again in 2020.  So, without any further hesitation, I present to you my 20 takeaways from 2020 that I pray will help my 2021:

1. Family is Everything:  During this year of quarantine and isolation, I've had the extraordinary chance to connect with my family more profoundly.  I enjoy telling my kids that I love them, spending time with them, and conversing with them.  I enjoy connecting with my wife in every way.  Family is one of your legacy's most momentous elements; this year taught me why one of the most significant investments in my time has to be them. 
2. God CANNOT Fail:  Even when it looks like things are down, complicated, and challenging, 2020 taught me that God is still in control.  At the mid-point or even later part of the year, I started to tell myself that God had the situation covered in times of trouble.  Even in my discomfort, He would, in time, confirm my conviction in Him.  God was more than faithful this year, and I'm learning that He's always been. 
3. Depression is real and must be addressed:  I like many of you all, found 2020 to be a challenging year for our mental health.  One of the best things that happened to me in 2020 was admitting and owning my struggles with depression.  I'm appreciative of the aid I received in 2020; however, it started with a willingness to speak up and speak out.  The struggle is real, and it's relatable. 
4. Relax:  Sure, some things are gravely severe; however, much of life is not.  2020 taught me to chill out.  If it's not a 5-alarm fire, don't act like it.
5. Love covers a multitude of sins:  Not infatuation, lust, or attraction.  Love, and only love, can erase even the tangible evidence of the wrong you've suffered.  If you're struggling with this one, I get it.  However, I can only testify that it's true, and I'm thankful to God for it. 
6. P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens):  There is no more powerful, calming, and equalizing force than to surrender your situation and circumstance to prayer.  Prayer is activated by faith.  It is imperative that if we pray to God, we must do so knowing that He is more than able to give us what we seek.  2020 taught me that prayer isn't about God doing what I want; instead, prayer is rooted in the assurance that we know He can. 
7. Some relationships are only for a season and/or a reason:  2020 was a year of some goodbyes.  Some people started with me and didn't end with me.  This year taught me not to be sad or even bitter about this fact.  It is a truth that is as consistent as death and taxes.  Some people are with you for a period and a purpose.  And when both are fulfilled, it's okay to let them go. 
8. Forgiveness is Healthy:  I turned 40 this year, and I've never been more at peace.  I found my most tremendous peace by allowing people to obtain my forgiveness.  40 years has taught me that forgiveness isn't about letting someone off the hook; instead, it's about releasing yourself from the hook.  Grudges are as deadly as stress, secondhand smoke, and trans fats, and ain’t nobody got time for that. 
9. Racism is a problem, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people feel:  Racism is as American as the luxury of health care.  A nation can’t have its origin and genesis in contention over race and act as if it's going to just disappear.  On behalf of all BIPOC, we need the world to know that the conversation will not stop, and the protest won't either.  America has a race problem, and I owe it to my great-grandchildren to ensure that the issue moves closer and closer to the "solution."
10. Party politics are the greatest hindrance to political success:  That’s all I need to say on this. 
11. Spend time in the Word of God:  We increase our intimacy with God when we take the time to get to know Him in His Word.  Walking in the shoes of the inspired writers of old revives my current understanding of Him.  2020 proved the Word of God to be invaluable, and I'm better because of the time I spent investigating the Text. 
12. Move-in agreement with the Kingdom mission:  What matters to God?  What’s the thing or things that bring God joy?  Whatever that is, join in.  Get involved and stay committed to it.  When you move in agreement with God, you add value to the Kingdom. 
13. Every fight isn’t worth fighting:  Sometimes, the best thing to do is to walk away.  I used to feel that it was my duty to tackle every political, Biblical, racial, evil, or social issue in my way.  However, time taught me a few things about that.  For starters, in most cases, your fussing is in vain, and the only thing you're chasing is your blood pressure.  2020 taught me to examine the person. Only after examination would I then be able to determine “who” is worthy of my energy.  2020 proved, most people aren’t.
14. Be Present:  Put your phone down.  Put your phone down.  Put your phone down.
15. Take care of your health:  Diet, exercise, rest, meditate, stretch, drink water, get a physical, brush your teeth, bathe daily, go to the dentist, and whatever else you need to do to stay healthy.  You only get one life and one body. 
16. Take time to do good things for others:  2020 taught me that it's not just about me.  In fact, I'm a speck in the grand scheme of life.  Therefore, there is excellent value and deep godliness in serving others.  It was the motivation for Calvary. 
17. Walk by faith, not by sight:  2020 Rule:  Trust what He said, more than what you see. 
18. Wear a mask and wash your hands:  And stop acting like you’re being placed in slave shackles.  I can’t for the life of me understand how a person can be pro-life and anti-mask AT THE SAME TIME!  But, when in doubt, re-read #10.
19. Learn something:  I spent the entirety of 2020 in a master’s program, and I am better for it.  Go to school, read a book, take a class, watch a TED talk, or get a mentor.  Just understand that we must make living and learning synonymous.
20. Be intentional:  If you don't plan to, you won't do.  Dream it.  Plan it.  Schedule it.  Do it.  Evaluate it.  Improve it, and do it until you're done.   

 
I pray this helps, and it's been a blessing reconnecting with you at the end of this year.  I pray to see more of you in 2021.  Take care and be blessed.
 
As always, comment, subscribe and share.  Blessings!
 
​Perfectly Imperfect, 

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)