After the trials and trauma of last year, 2021 was a totally different experience. So many good and unexpected things happened.
At the beginning of this year, I wrote about the lessons that came from a challenging year. This year, I want to share the best things about the year.
So here goes…
7. I’ve reestablished a friendship I had to cut off last year.
If you read last year’s review, you saw that I had to cut off a long-standing friendship twice in 2020. This friend is in a better place in his life this year, so I’ve been able to reestablish a friendship with him, albeit guardedly. I was even able to pray with him when tragedy struck his life this fall.
So never underestimate the power of reconciliation.
6. I read through an epic systematic theology.
I’m aware of how nerdy that sounds. At the beginning of the year, I decided to tackle Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (2nd Edition). I hadn’t ever read a systematic theology before, but I knew that I wouldn’t have any major objections to Grudem’s view of theology. Even though the book was 1,660 pages, it was a worthwhile read, and I’m glad I tackled it.
You can read more about it here.
5. I have a new publisher for my book, and it should see the light of day in 2022.
Boy, is this a long story. But I’ll spare you all the details.
Suffice it to say that I had a publisher, a friend I had known for several years, who was going to publish my book in 2021. Things took a really bad turn, and I had to end the professional and personal relationship.
Enter my new publisher. Not only is she a better fit for what I want to do, but she’s also a Southerner, so she understands my book and my writing style.
So look for my book in 2022 — hopefully as soon as February!
4. The Atlanta Braves!
Ok, seriously. Did anybody think, the way that the Braves’ season started, that they would be in serious playoff contention, much less World Series champs?
No? You’re not alone.
But good grief, what a journey it was!
The Braves fended off all comers, including the sports media who did everything in their power to will the Dodgers to take the National League and the Astros to win it all.
I wound up watching the final game on mute, partially because I was working on some breaking news, and partially because I couldn’t stomach national media coverage.
But the Bravos pulled it off, and a nation of Braves fans are so proud.
3. UGA football!
What can I say about this year in college football? It’s one of those seasons when you can’t help but love being a Georgia Bulldogs fan (or alum, in my case).
From the beginning of the season, I’ve said this year’s team was special, though I’ve been hesitant to use the “N.C.” phrase.
Other than the abject heartbreak of the SEC Championship, it’s been a thrilling season. The underdog (or underDAWG) story of Stetson Bennett has been fun to watch. Full disclosure: I went to school with Stetson’s mom, so I’m a fan, even though I know he’s not perfect.
Of course, the ending to this story is yet to be written as I write this, but I sure am hoping for a reason to be excited about my Dawgs!
2. I led a stranger to Christ and made a new friend in the process.
Jose came to church for the first time one day in the late spring or early summer. He had been watching our online services for months and managed to muster up the courage to drive from close to an hour away to attend in person.
This was when I was still on staff at Eastridge, and I saw that Jose had put on his connect card that he wanted to talk to someone about following Jesus. Initially, Scott, our lead pastor, wanted to call Jose, but he said he wasn’t sure if he would have time. So he asked me to call Jose.
When I called Jose, I started out asking him for his story, and then I led him through the Romans Road. I had done this earlier in the year with another visitor, who said he needed to think about the decision and I never heard from him again.
So I was pleasantly surprised with Jose said he wanted to ask Jesus into his heart. He was baptized soon after and joined Eastridge as a member. He’s been faithful ever since, and I’m proud to call Jose my friend.
1. I got a new job!
Ok, so here’s the thing. I was happy with my job at Eastridge. I loved the people — and still do of course — but when the opportunity came for a full-time writing and editing job, I knew I had to put in for it. And I prayed that God would make His will clear.
He did. Although a good job isn’t always about money, I’m making significantly more, which has allowed me to give more. I’m working from home, which is amazing, and I’m doing what I love.
I miss my work friends, even though I get to see them often. I also have a terrific new group of people that I love working with. It’s been a tremendous blessing, even if it was a surprise.
So that’s my 2021. Here’s to new adventures in 2022!
Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash