Joshua Tree Ornament 2020

 Written December 2020. 

If you've followed me for any length of time, you've probably seen our advent traditions involving the Jesse tree, and then at the inspiration of my late Grandma Shantz, the creation of our Joshua tree (from Joshua 4:6-7, "stones" of remembrance). It's become an anticipated event of my heart to have a new ornament made each year to add to the story of my life. If you've missed the rest, you can catch up with #darbyjaneornaments.

This past Christmas, looking forward to 2020, I didn't really have a massive burden on my heart or anything, but I felt the Lord showing me the theme "Remain". He has naturally always remained faithful to me, and I felt the burden of making sure I was doing all I could to remain steadfast. Of choosing to be faithful, in all the ways he chooses to work. I could never have predicted what would become of the year for me, (and for most of us) as we navigated the twists and turns of Covid19. I think it was Mr Rogers who encouraged children, as a way of bringing comfort in times of crisis or chaos to "look for the helpers". Well, I guess you could apply that same sentiment more broadly - and look for all the ways God is choosing to work in us, through us, and around us. Watching for ALL the ways He is working, whether I approve, or not (because why do I think His plans must be the ones I've already laid out?). For all the kindness He shows, whether I can see it in the moment, or not. For all the areas He asks me to change, and repent, and put in the hard work, when I usually don't want to. I know that 2020 was a truly awful year for most - and in some ways I echo that - I was inconvenienced, I lost precious time with loved ones, and I lost a dear friend. Those things didn't feel great. But in other ways, it ways it was fulfilling. I had a chance to remain faithful to the God who has planned my days and knows my heart. This year, I had a chance to remain faithful to the God who has planned my days and knows my heart. To stay in the Word when I had to 'fight for it' because actually going to church got weird (I read through the entire Bible this year for the first time in my life, and if left me wanting to do it again, and again). To continue to attempt to love others in a manner worthy of one who bears the name of Christ. To show up with whatever is needed for a friend walking through their darkest days. To see that God, in his kindness, has put exclamation points where I would put periods. He isn't finished yet! He is working! It is exciting - and a honour - to remain. As I walk into 2021 somewhat trepidatiously, because it seems these days like I just never know what I'm about to walk into - I know Who I can count on, and that is the mattering part.

Ornament by @cahaburn