Worst year in history?

Not 2020.

Not by a long shot.

Because despite all the very real irritations of 2020, most of us in the developed world still had plenty to eat. Most of us had a place to live and sleep. And even when we were ordered to stay inside those places, we had plenty of entertainment options. Options that would have been unimaginable to royalty or even the wealthiest even 200 years ago.

Most historians nominate AD 536 for the title of worst year.

That year was cold and dark and foggy (likely caused by a volcanic eruption early that year) and that cold precipitated further years of famine and that famine left a weakened population which in turn led to an outbreak of bubonic plague in the coming years.

Millions died. And Europe and Asia didn’t really recover until 640 – over 100 years later.

What’s our takeaway? First, count your blessings. Of course, there’s plenty to find irritating, but we are the beneficiaries of great wonders – many of which we take for granted. Next, study history. Because history helps to put out momentary annoyances into perspective. Finally, plan for the future, and realize that it’s probably a good future. We are in the midst of an upward trajectory of material blessings that shows no sign of abating.

We have had a less than stellar year. It will pass tonight. And 2021 brings a new time to trust in God’s goodness, to love our neighbor, and to rejoice in the good that we have, and to do whatever we can to ensure that a 2020 doesn’t come around for a long while.