2020 has not felt anything like perfect vison and, if anything, it has shown us what a challenge it is in this world to determine what is true and what is false. This year has been a swirling mess of not only a combination of germs and disinfectant but also a never-ending process of sorting through opinions and information to find the truth. Like most of you I have done my best to assemble a clear picture from the world’s largest jigsaw puzzle of information. As we close 2020, I will be the first to admit that my picture is incomplete; not every piece has found its place, and many could even upside down. There are a few things, however, that are crystal clear: 

Throughout this year, time and time again we have heard that this is the end and have lived in a place of fear as we search the book of Revelation for answers and timelines of how the end will occur, all the while missing the book’s ultimate message. Revelation, though it may be apocalyptic literature, was intended to be a book of hope. Hope to a people being persecuted, hope to a people whose world is crumbling around them, hope founded in knowing that in the end Jesus Christ is victorious! This message was true for John’s initial audience, it was true for all those living through terrible wars like World War 2, it is true for us in this time of uncertainty, and it will be true until the day Jesus comes again.Each of us only has one lifetime to live: “Paul didn’t have more time to get ready than many people do now, we all just need to focus on what we can do to get ready now.” (Jr. Student).

So this year I am taking my students’ advice. I have two resolutions for this year. First, to enjoy sharing every moment I possibly can with Seth and our soon to be baby girl. Second, to remember my high school graduation goal and bring it to life: “To walk and talk with God as Enoch did.” There is only one God in control, and it is time for me to put my trust in Him.