“God Wastes Nothing” – Hand-lettered calligraphy graphic
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God wastes nothing
The year 2020 brought quite a few challenges and struggles, but in the back of my mind, I kept thinking – God has a plan. What am I to learn from all of this? Fast forward to November when an instagram image caught my eye – an ornament that said “God wastes nothing 2020” by bykyleighrose. It hit me. YES! God wastes nothing. God. Wastes. Nothing. This is what I’ve been trying to form into words this entire year! Of course, I purchased a couple of her ornaments – one for myself and another for one of my friends who I know would find peace and joy in these words. (If you are looking to purchase one, she’s said a SMALL restock will be coming in January - be sure to follow her on instagram to find out when!)
2020 was by no means easy and there were lots of unknowns, challenges and tears, but I’m a glass half-full kind of gal and like to focus on what I learned. Don’t get me wrong - 2020 was one crazy year, but it wasn’t wasted – there were moments of celebration, reflection, personal growth and relaxation.
Celebration – One of my dear college friends got married!
We were able to celebrate the love between Kelly & Tyler and I am so grateful! Luckily it was on Leap Day, right before the pandemic really hit the US. In a conversation with her later in the year, she had mentioned being sadden that everyone was talking about “how much 2020 sucks” and “can’t wait until 2020 is over.” While 2020 might not have been a big year of joys and happiness for everyone, it was a BIG year for her. 2020 wasn’t wasted - it was a beginning.
Reflection – God’s plan, not mine.
I’ve always been someone who loves to work and stay busy almost every second of the day. I’m one who gets up at 4am to work, who makes to-do lists and keeps things organized. I always have a plan. This year - my plan wasn’t “the plan.” I’ve always known and said “let go and let God.” But it’s easier said than done. I couldn’t have even imagined a pandemic completely halting the wedding industry - my business. It was and is scary. It was a huge reminder that I am not in control – God is in control.
Growth – Grace not Perfection.
I’ve had a few of Emily Ley’s books on my bookshelf that I’ve been meaning to read for a couple of years now. One of those is “Grace not Perfection” and another “When Less Becomes More.” For the first time in several years, I had time to read. I wasn’t go-go-go every moment and I allowed time for myself - even if they were small. In reading “Grace not Perfection” - I realized that I needed to allow myself more grace in life. I kept striving for perfection in my business, in being a wife and mom, friend, etc… Perfection doesn’t exist. I need(ed) to slow down and be more in the moment. While it is still a work in progress, I’m working really hard at being more in the moment, slowing down and savoring all of the sweet little joys in the day-to-day moments.
Relaxation – Family Time
Being in the wedding industry, summer-time can get pretty busy. I was heartbroken for all of my couples that had to postpone for change their wedding plans and honestly quite scared at what it meant for my small business. But with the postponements, I found my summer schedule really open up and my husband I decided to embrace it instead of let worry and uncertainty overwhelm. We took a wonderful 3-week family vacation to my parent’s cabin in the upper peninsula of Michigan and it was so refreshing! I felt like it was exactly what we needed – stepping away from the fear and uncertainty of what was going on in the world and focused on family, making memories and being in the moment.
Last year wasn’t easy, but it’s what we take away and learn from those challenges that gives worth and meaning. How can we learn from the heartache/challenges/uncertainty? How can we pivot? What is God trying to teach us in these moments?
God wastes nothing - not even 2020. ♥️
