I’ve been keeping a bottle of sparkling grape juice and a container of whipped cream in my fridge just in case a celebration is needed. When I awoke on January 1, 2021, I knew both would be called into action.

The television morning shows were quick to forget the events of this past year and pretend they never happened. I started feeling bad for 2020. What if good things really occurred but we forgot to celebrate them?

This past year, we experienced sadness, confusion, poor health, isolation, and other disappointments; too many to list. We spent plenty of time lamenting over our struggles and challenges. Sure, hardship tests us, but it also shapes us and makes us grow. Remembering this, I wanted to give 2020 the respect it deserved.

I realized there were actually things to celebrate even if I’d forgotten them. I asked God to help me remember, especially the little things. Why? So I could focus on His faithfulness. It didn’t take long to see the biggest reason to celebrate 2020 comes from something Jesus said, “…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

What a great reminder, throughout all of 2020, Jesus was there, traveling with me, regardless the direction circumstances of the year took me. What a reason to celebrate!

Now what?  I’m off to make a cup of hot cocoa with a huge dollop of whipped cream on top.

“For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:6