If ever we would want a year to end, 2020 is the year. Even Stephen King would not have been able to imagine such a hodgepodge of disasters coming one after the other; a presidential impeachment (remember that?), a pandemic, city riots, an undercount census, major event cancellations, massive economic, social and educational shutdowns, travel restrictions, a hugely controversial presidential election, and to cap it all off, a record-setting snowstorm.

But, as previous columns have noted, Lycoming County has weathered this turbulence better than many other areas of the country. Based on that, what would be the best-case scenario for the upcoming year? I would like to suggest five hopeful possibilities.

First, whatever else we know about COVID, we know that it is a virus, and by all appearances, it is following the normal path of infection. This would indicate that we should expect to see an eventual decline in cases through the coming year. Our recent spike may be a blessing in disguise as it could well provide our area with needed herd immunity. It would normally follow that there would be a steady decrease through 2021.

Second, we should expect to see a strong comeback in the local economy. Like everywhere else, the hardships have been horrific, especially to small businesses. Many have been holding on by a thread, but as restrictions are lifted, there hopefully will be a lot of frustrated customers anxious to get back to buying local again. The decision of Digger Specialties Inc. of Indiana to build a new manufacturing plant in the southern part of the county is also a shot of confidence in the future of the local economy.

Third, our annual events will return, and probably with greater enthusiasm due to their recent absence. From the West Branch Susquehanna Builder’s Show to the Lycoming County Fair to the biggest event of all — the Little League World Series — many local traditional festivities will be eagerly welcomed back (and highlighted by Webb Weekly), providing an important shot of economic activity as well.

Fourth, expect our local officials to be wiser and more effective. Back in January, newbies in office were County Commissioner Scott Metzger, District Attorney Ryan Gardner, Director of the Department of Public Safety Jeff Hutchinson, local Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, to name a few. These officials and others have weathered arguably the roughest freshman terms imaginable, and for the most part, weathered them rather well. This experience will be worth its weight in gold as local and county officials work hard to repair the havoc of 2020.

And finally, for many, the uncertainty and chaos of 2020 have driven them to seek hope in God rather than hope in man. I have heard more people talking about prayer this year than I ever had. Ironically, it has harder now to worship corporately than at any other time in American history. Religious freedom has been called into question when it was never more needed, and thus, more highly valued. The book of Hebrews in the Bible comforts us with these words of instruction, “Let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

If we build on the painful lessons of this past year and admit we have taken for granted much of the goodness God has shown to us, we can reflect that 2020 was not all bad. In fact, we may look back many years from now and be thankful that it kicked us in the rear and refocused us to appreciate the blessings we have enjoyed and taken for granted.