With just a few days left before the start of the next calendar year adventure, I want to spend some time thanking God for his utter faithfulness. This year was wild, full of formation, and most frequently mysterious. I very rarely knew what God was doing in the moment. Through scribing, asking meaningful questions, and listening, the Lord took my life by force.
2021 Thematically
The months were lively. In the Spring, God broke down burnout and brought forth creativity. In the Summer, God opened up heavenly realms, gave me chances to travel, and brought me so much joy. This Fall was emotionally grueling and costly. I learned so much about entrusting the people I love to God, to do what only he can do. In the Fall and Winter, I was able to travel, and receive friends in my home in DC! God added layers of clarity on my vocation and specific giftings, and has started a new work within my family. He has begun to shed light on some of the adventures he has planned for next year, and I am quietly recording his words and celebrating in advance.
If I focus on just the blessings, each month of 2021 had a different theme. Check out the Monthly Summaries below to see how these year evolved, or to find solidarity if God is working out a similar theme in your life.
- January: Determination
- February: Creativity
- March: Shifting
- April: Prayer
- May: Joy
- June: Beauty
- July: Adventure
- August: Community
- September: Investment
- October: Fire
- November: Friendship
- December: Family
(Click the links in the pictures below to check out each month of 2021, AND some bonus months in 2020)
Visualizing the Changes to my Plans
From January to today, my 2021 plans changed dramatically. It goes without saying that whenever you make a plan and include the Holy Spirit, you will need to leave room for the sovereignty of God. This year, the Holy Spirit stripped away unnecessary labor, accelerated and multiplied my travels, and powerfully drew me to the right places and people. Every time I faced an unanswerable dilemma, he consistently provided clarity, to the point where the details often came faster than I actually anticipated. I challenge you to put God to the test! If you make a dedicated practice of listening and recording the voice of God, you can be sure that he will speak powerfully. He delights in pulling us into his work.
2021 in People
I am wired towards data visualizations, figurative language, and people. It gives me tremendous joy to measure my year in faces. Check out some of my favorite 2021 moments with the people I love.
Bring on 2022
In 2022, I will see the fruition of prayers related to birthing career changes, opportunities for rest and study, community, financial redemption, and relational joy. God is gracious, and his works are a gift. He is truly immeasurable, truly good, and truly faithful to whoever puts their trust in him. When I think about the goodness of God over this last year, I think of my favorite verse at the end of the book of John where the Disciple Jesus Loved permits himself a little awe-struck editorializing:
“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
John 21:25
Age of the Unexpected 
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