2020 It’s a Family Affair
By: Jennifer S Miracle
Tags: Christian, Family Relationships, Family, 2020, Relationships

2020 It’s a Family Affair

How a global pandemic reshaped my family connections

In a year of uncertainty, one thing is clear. This time last year, no one, I mean no one knew what was on the horizon. I remember reading about that weird new coronavirus waaaay over in China and even praying with my kids for it to stop at China’s borders. But you know, we had been here before with SARS in the 2000s and then Swine Flu in 2010. Those had turned out ok, right? False comfort for what lay ahead.

2020 began like a roller coaster inching up the track through January, February and then suddenly in March total lockdown. No toilet paper (still funny). In the blink of an eye, small businesses were forced to close, we were holed up in our homes, and sadly many people lost their jobs. I think we were all getting about used to wearing masks when the economy crumbled. We had rounded the corner and were careening down a steep hill at breakneck speed uncertain of the path ahead. And yet….

For me, personally, I think 2020 may have gotten a bad rap. This year, I learned how much God loves families and He is for our families. I’m so proud of our blended family; but five years in and it’s still not easy. The lockdown gave us so much more time together. Annoying each other and then growing through it. 2020 is when we reached the point of break down which somehow turned into breakthrough; and our family magically solidified. In 2020, my professional life flourished in a new way. This is the year that my husband and I bought our first house together. This year, my siblings and I truly began talking to one another and I have treasured those deepening relationships. Also, this is the year that I miraculously reconnected with my Dad after 20+ years of estrangement.

I don’t think it’s just me either. It’s difficult for me to fathom how something that has left so many completely isolated as they fought for their lives in hospital rooms could simultaneously set the stage for stronger families. Something that truly hit home when my husband was referred to the ER with Covid-related pneumonia and I wasn’t allowed in.

But check out this article from Axios showing how much this pandemic may have done just that.

I know it’s been such a painful year for so many, but this year I noticed this unusual verse in the Bible.

“For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name…” Ephesians 3:15

I still remember how it kind of leapt off the page at me. I had never noticed it before, but if He has named every family in heaven and earth then families are very near and dear to His heart. God has a vested interest in my family.

In many ways, 2020 has been a trade-off: of things that matter less for things that matter more. Less time at the office or commuting to the office, and more time at home. Less time caring what others thought, and more time learning how my family members think. It’s been uncomfortably real and wildly unpredictable. For what it’s worth, 2020 was a true refocus for me. I found a treasure that was buried under the layers of modern life. Somehow this year has reinvigorated almost every familial bond that I have. I don’t know what the future holds, but I have to believe that this year was essential in preparing for it. Bring on 2021. Let’s do this.