I’ve felt like I was 27 years old (whatever that’s supposed to feel like) already for most of this year. Maybe it’s because the months dragged in the wake of Covid-19 or because there was so much learning that occurred this year. Whatever the reason was, this birthday felt like my age ‘label’ finally caught up with the rest of me.
What did I think I would be doing when I was 27 years old? I had simple, broad goals. Ideas that would give me a general direction, but nothing I would hold onto with an iron grip. I thought I’d be working as a music teacher, I wanted to be married, and I also thought 27 would be a good age to start trying to have a child. I’m thankful that all of these things have come to fruition. As difficult as this year has been, I’m turning 27 with a lot of thankfulness. Instead of thinking about what I hope year 27 will bring me or the resolutions I’m making for myself, I’d rather look backwards at the things that have given me strength to go into this next year of my life.
There was a lot of loss this year in many different forms. A lot of loneliness for many of us. But today I looked at the people who are beside me, the people who know me almost inside out, and I was moved to tears. I’m thankful that I’m entering my 27th year on this earth with people who listen to all of my feelings and thoughts without judgment, who provide me with support and encouragement, and who allow me to invest in their lives. After a year as devastating as this one, I know whatever is thrown my way in the future I will have my people behind me.
Virtual school became a new reality. There have been plenty of frustrations and failures along the way. However, my students, my coworkers, and my principal have been fabulous. I’ve been extremely blessed to work at this school. I’m extremely blessed to continue to teach no matter what the format is. There is always a chance that as a music teacher my position might be cut in the aftermath of Covid-19 budget cuts, but for today I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to teach students whom I love. I used to wonder if I was cut out for this job, but the longer I do it the more I know that I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Musically this was one of my most creative years. God knows there was plenty of material to use for writing! It’s just been so incredibly fun to collaborate and record and write with some of my dearest people. It was truly the highlight of my year. Who knew that these little gems would make their way into an album! Thank God for kindred spirit creators who lay foundations that spark inspiration.
Church has also been a new format in the past year. Leading worship online has been a learning curve for all of us, and as a new church plant it has been tough to see things seemingly stall. All of us at Liberti Montco firmly believe, though, that this church has a future, and seeing the body double down in commitment even in the middle of a pandemic that prohibits us from meeting together in person has been inspiring. I was humbled this year as I led praise through one of the darkest points in my life. As difficult as it was to come to God every week and lead others in worshiping someone who I was feeling distant from, I learned that sometimes I have to keep going until my heart is back onboard. The weeks I was able to take a break were also good for me, but I needed something to keep me connected to God so I wouldn’t float away in my grief. I’m thankful that God gently transformed my bitter heart so that I could see Him as the light in my darkest valley.
26 was a good year.
My only prayer is that this year would be as full of hope, growth, creativity, and joy as the last.
Cheers to another year of this beautiful life.
Drops of Jules 