As we reflect on 2020, we see COVID has brought sadness, worry, and sacrifice. There have been trying times – physically, emotionally, and mentally. There has been darkness.

However, as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”

These stars – the bright spots, our shimmer of light during tough times – is what has gotten us through. It is the lessons we have learned, the areas in which we have grown, and the things we have started to appreciate a little more. This is what we should reflect on and what should guide us going forward.

The heroes at Echoing Hills, those employees who have been the stars for the individuals we serve, reflect on the positives that 2020 brought. We share some of their thoughts:

Christopher S.

“With the pandemic came a need for virtual classes for echoingU. Many of our students were excited to join this. One of our students, who was barely verbal in-person, was hesitant at first to join the virtual class, but we are so blessed that he did. He is THRIVING on there,  actively participating and answering questions in class. He is learning a lot and improving his social skills each class day. This is all from a student who used to sit in class with little to no engagement and with many communication struggles with peers and staff. And now he is flourishing, thanks to COVID changing our plans.”

John S.

“One thing that has been a blessing to me has been the fun of takeout meals; eating in the car, stopping at a park, and enjoying a picnic. We hadn’t enjoyed a picnic in quite some time.”

Judy U.

“The challenges of 2020 have taught me to truly value the time when we can be together again, close to one another, hugging, shaking hands, and not measuring the distance. Seeing smiles that are now hidden behind masks is something I can’t wait for. I will value every second with my family and friends, not having to think about the possibility of making them sick because maybe I was exposed and didn’t know it.

I have learned just how much God created us to have relationships. After all, it was clear back at the beginning that God recognized that Adam might be lonely. Even though God created animals for Adam, God knew he needed companionship and relationship…so he created woman. We all need to be close, comfort one another, hug, converse, and share great experiences and sad experiences because that is the true normal.”

Jackie H.

“This year, I have learned so much and have so many things to be grateful for. I feel as though I have grown so much as a leader personally. I will say, though, the thing I am most grateful for is my staff, and the lesson I have learned is NEVER to doubt my staff. They have always shown up and done what is needed, but this year has shown me just how dedicated, selfless, and caring they are. No one knows how he or she is going to react in a situation like this. Honestly, no one has ever even imagined that something like this would happen. When this all first started, I had some doubt in my mind. I wondered if they would keep coming to work with COVID in our backyard. Then when we got our first case, I wondered, okay, now it is here, will they come? They have shown up time and time again. Giving up their holiday plans, time spent with their families, vacations, you name it, they have sacrificed as Jesus did for us. My staff is truly Servants of God, and they show that to me daily!”

Angie J.

“2020 has taught me to be ‘present’ and ‘intentional’ in everything I do. When the earth was awaking back in April, I made a point to really hear, see, smell, and feel what was going on around me—chirping beautifully colored birds, blooms on plants and trees, and the warmth of the sun on my face and arms. One of my favorite things to do (which I still do in the cold, windy, rainy, and snowy elements today) is walking. With my family, by myself, listening to podcasts, or just in silence. But by far, the highlight of each and every week is masking up and seeing my parents and mother-in-law with my husband and kids on Friday evenings – sitting by a fire outside or in a picnic shelter with a heater blowing full-blast to keep us warm, especially on these 30-40 degrees days. But the warmth of just being with them is enough – sharing stories from days past, hearing their laughter, and just being together – even if six feet apart and no hugs. I’m blessed; all my loved ones are healthy and whole. And for that, I’m thankful!”

LOOKING FORWARD

As we excitedly count down to 2021, it is imperative to remember what shone for you in 2020.

It is in those stars that we fill our hearts with joy; it is what carries us through even the most difficult of times full of hope.