"A man cannot step into the same river twice. For he is not the same man, and it is not the same river."~Heraclitus

I suppose we all feel as if we've entered a very different river in 2020, what with COVID and all the unanticipated changes and losses that we've encountered. I have a penchant for reflection at year's end--especially this one with all its need to summon resilience. I am asking, "What have I learned?" "What lessons will I attempt to hold onto for 2021?"

Here are a few concepts I want to keep:

Valuing my pace: It is easy to get caught up in "covering ground," fall into the "move faster" mode. I'm accepting that "slow learning" is a good fit for me. Letting go of comparisons..."I should be at this place now," or "I need to be more like____He/she really has it together." Let me ask myself rather, "Where have I improved?" In what areas have I increased my skill?"

Anchoring into delight: I'm increasing my ability to allow what delights me into my life. No one will do that for me, or even know what areas that would entail. I will keep reading what speaks to me and watching Masterpiece Theatre. Writing about what interests me. Enjoying nature. No one can participate in what delights him or her all the time. But if there is little to delight in, or delight is put "on hold" until all the work is done (all the work will never be done, by the way), then life echoes with dread and dreariness.

An increasing awareness of God's grace: I'm becoming more more prone to being challenged by God's goodness rather than life's circumstances. I'm gaining skill in using my situations as practice ground for remaining mentally, emotionally and spiritually poised.

All of us will step into a different river in 2021. We have changed as well. What have you learned from 2020 that you plan on taking with you? I would be encouraged to hear your thoughts. And please know, dear readers, that your readership and posts over this tumultous year have added to my delight a hundred fold. Thank you. I appreciate it.