3 Things in 2020

I am typing using Blogger, and everything has changed. It shows a very small font, and I hope it's readable. That being said, let's plow ahead.... I don't think anyone would argue with me that the year 2020 is definitely one for the books.When our kiddos study world history in the future,the section about the year 2020 is going to require a whole volume of its own, LOL. During this past year, there were 3 definitive life events that took place that will change me forever. One of them was extremely sad, another was weird, and the 3rd was the best thing ever. I'll start with the sad, and work my way up. If I start with sad, you know things can only get better from there, right? The sad: Many, many people would list this as the saddest, and that is the devastation that is Covid-19. When the virus hit, people were hoping that this would be an illness that would blow over quickly. That would not be the case. As the virus took hold, maske became a priority, and then everything shut down. My jobs with the school, Boys & Girls Club, and the bowling alley were shut down in March. It worked out for the best at first, as my mom had just had surgery to have a pacemaker installed, so I moved in with my folks for a couple of weeks to help out where she might need. I became acquainted with a new type of technology called Zoom, which I utilized quite often. Although at the time, I didn't know anybody with the virus, I was taking all the precautions I needed to stay safe. My jobs with BGC and the Alley resumed in June under very strict restrictions. At that point, I knew of a few people who had the virus. In Octoberm the virus slammed into our area with a vengeance. People all around me were getting sick. Many people recovered, but I also had some friends who passed away. Even as I write this, the virus swirls all around us. A vaccine is now available, and we will see in the new year how effective these vaccines will be. In the meantime, we will continue to pray for a quick end to the virus and a return to normalcy, Until that happens, we'll do what we need to do to stay healthy. The weird. 2020 was the year that I turned 50. Just to let you know, I am not afraid of turning 50, it does not scare me, I am totally OK with it. The weird part about it is talling people that I am 50. It feels weird to say it. I remember thinking as a child that 30, 40, 50 was old. I really wanted to celebrate in a big way, to have a big party, and get together with friends. However, the virus put a stop on all of that. I'm a bit bitter and disappointed that I couldn't celebrate as I wanted to, but maybe I can mae it up for my 51st? On the plus side, I got to enjoy Chinese buffet with my mom and a couple of friends. Also, I had a white birthday, snow on my birthday. It has never snowed on my birthday before. It was only a mere dusting, but just the same, it was fun to look out the window and see snow on the ground! Sooo, now I am a man in my 50's, and I look forward to what God might have in store for me in this decade. The best thing ever: In January, I had the privilege of knocking the number 1 item off of my bucket list. It was something I have wanted to do ever since I was a kid. I had the honor of taking a trip to Israel! What a trip it was! When someone asks about my trip, I hope they are serious, because I'll tell them all about it! I hope they have several minutes to spare! It was incrediblr to see the sites that I have read about in the Bible, walk the places that Jesus and many other Bible folks had walked. When I talk about where I have been, and what I have done there, it still boggles my mind that I really was there! I am so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to travel there. It's still in my blood, and I want to go back. My trip was a real "wow" factor, I'd like to take another trip so that I can learn more. When I see a video on TV or a clip that pertains to Israel, I can say that I was there! I was able to see where Jesus was born, where He was crucified, and the tomb where He was laid. I got to see where David hid in the wilderness in an attempt to escape from the jealous King Saul. I also saw where David was buried. I saw the Valley of Megiddo, where the greatest conflict in the history will take place, as explained in the Bible book of Revelation. I could go on, and on, and on......and on. If you've got some time, and would like to hear about my trip, I would love to talk to you about it. Honorable mentions: There are soome other events that took place this year that didn't make the top 3. There was my Thanksgiving accident that put me in the ER with 4 stitches and a tetanus shot. Being named the Vision Leader of the month for October. God had blessed me in many ways, and He has tested my faith as well. At the end of the day, I am a child of God and I know that He has a plan for my life and the lives of all of us. We simply need to put our trust in Him and believe that He will guide us, regardless of what may happen. I know that this world is a mess, but I take comfort in the fact that HE is in control. I pray that your 2021 will bring you joy and happiness and thet you will find your rest in God. As I close out this entry, I apologize for any typos or anything that will make reading this difficult. Blogger is not as user-friendly as it used to be. I'm working through it. Thanks for reading, and God bless you!