2020 Musings

 2020 Musings

Exactly a year ago, we were all looking forward to 2020 with excitement and eagerness. Surely, a lot of us had made plans: to travel or move to another city or country, to pursue a different career or to apply to another job, to reunite with friends, to celebrate a precious life milestone and so on. The possibilities are endless and as it seems, the world is ours for the taking. As we make noise, light the firecrackers and feast on the sumptuous meal with our family last new year, no one has ever thought of the future that 2020 holds. 

And then the pandemic happened. We are left flabbergasted, bewildered, and more so, terrified. All of a sudden, the world seemed to stop, all of our plans or goals seemed to be put to a halt. There was a sudden shift with the way we live or do things. We realized above all that our family, health, well-being, safety are paramount over all earthly or material things. Indeed, the year 2020 has taught us so many valuable lessons: that life is fleeting and seemingly fragile, that no one can really tell what the future holds, and that you may make plans, but then again, in a blink of an eye, they may not happen anymore.

It truly is frightening to live at the time of a pandemic when everything seems to be uncertain and temporary. Lives, jobs and livelihood are lost leaving a lot of people mourning and forlorn. But at the same time, amidst the pandemic that besets us, we are left with no choice to carry on, to move forward, and live life in the new normal. This pretty much sums up our 2020: entering a world of the uncertain and fighting the unknown. 

Even so, we know that deep within our hearts, there is that glimmer of hope. We keep our faith that this is just transitory and the "nightmare" will be over. And even if the battle is not yet finished, we keep the faith in humanity, in the world, in the Almighty and  that one day, we will all heal and we will go back to how life is used to be, but as wiser and tougher human beings. 

So as we end this year, I pray that we do not lose hope as to what the new year will hold. The year 2020 may not be how we envision to be, but as cliche as it may sound: while there is life, there is hope and let us hold tight to that. Even if our hearts are troubled and in fear, let us not grew tired and weary in praying and hoping for a better future and tomorrow. Some things in life are just put on hold, but life and love does not end there. In the midst of this pandemic, faith, hope, love, kindness and optimism are never cancelled. 

The year 2020 is truly one unforgettable year. To still be healthy and alive at this time is one big blessing, indeed. And if there is one valuable lesson we should have learned, it is to be grateful for all the blessings - big or small.

Thank you, Lord, that we make it this far. We place our hope in 2021 in You. We pray for the lives that were lost during this challenging times. Likewise, we pray for the strength and courage to bravely battle and face this pandemic. Please guide our front liners and bless them with your healing hands. We also offer a prayer for all the country's leaders, that they may make sound decisions for the betterment of their people and constituents. We keep the faith, that the year 2020 is just one hurdle we have to go through, and we will rise above the challenges, with Your love and mercy this 2021. 

Thank you, 2020. 

And praying for better days this 2021!