Epic Family,

It’s hard to believe, but today marks the end to the first half of 2020. To be honest, it feels like these 6 months have been multiple years in some ways. I want to help you process how the year has been so far for you. And then I want to help you set your sights on how you want to live for the remainder of 2020.

What have you lost in 2020? Income? Experiences you were looking forward to? Your job? A loved one? Spend some time naming these things. Have you grieved these losses? If not, take some time to do this.

What have you gained in 2020? More time with your family? A new contentment from God? Stronger faith? New priorities? As you think about what you’ve gained, have you spent time thanking God for these things? If not, take a few minutes to do this now. 

What has God been teaching you about Himself and about yourself? Even though we’re ready for this season to be over, let’s make sure all of this wasn’t in vain. Have you learned something about God’s character? Have you come to understand something new about your gifts or your purpose? What has been clarified for you regarding your life and what matters?

As we set our sights on the second half of 2020, I want to frame our outlook using this Scripture:

Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Carefully choose what you want to be present in your life for the rest of this year. Make sure to choose things that are within your control, because we don’t get to choose most of our circumstances. What are the things you want to give your time and energy to? To make decisions about what will be present in our lives means that we are also needing to make decisions about what should be absent from our lives. Perhaps make a To Be Present/To Be Absent list for the rest of this year.

Walk the path of wisdom, rather than the path of foolishness. Author Eugene Peterson says, “Wisdom is the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves in.” We don’t get to choose the conditions, but we can be wise when it comes to how we navigate those conditions. What are some wise decisions you can make to navigate the remainder of this year?

Make the most of every opportunity. I know that this year has already been full of so many obstacles and we’re likely to see many more before we get to December 31st. But what might happen if we start asking ourselves this question, “In this crazy time in our world, what unique opportunities are present?” Maybe starting a new hobby or a spiritual practice you’ve never engaged in before. Perhaps you can reconnect with an old friend or start new traditions with your family. 

This year hasn’t been anything like I thought it was going to be. And I don’t know all that might be ahead of us in the second half of 2020. But I do know this: God is faithful and we’re in this together!

Much Love,