New Year?

New Year?

I remember a major theme last year was the completion of the pandemic.  We were all so tired and caught off guard by 2020 and the extreme changes we experienced such as fear of disease, isolation, disruption of society etc…  2021 was going to be so much different!  We were glad to be on the other side of this, with only a few minor inconveniences as we headed back towards normal.  

Well, 2021 didn’t really work out that way.  In some ways "pandemic fatigue” has felt worse than the initial pains of 2020.  The news on tv the last few nights has been warning us of more and more shutdowns due to variants, winter holiday challenges etc…Feels like we may never get out of this.  

Allow me to share a silver lining I’ve observed in the midst of this, especially as we head into a New Year.  As much as we grumble and struggle, people are pretty resilient.  

I’m so impressed with how society as morphed, adjusted and moved forward in so many ways.  I’m really grateful to be part of a church that has continued on in the basics of fellowship, teaching, serving, prayer, worship and compassion in the Lord.  

I didn’t say I liked all of these changes and restrictions, but I am impressed with how we’ve followed the Lord’s provision, direction and protection.  In some ways I sense a little how the Israelites felt following the Lord in the desert for 40 years. Not really sure where they are going, but pressing forward in faith.  (pray this doesn’t last 40 years!!! :)    

This adaptability and flexibility in following the Lord will greatly benefit us in the future.  God’s church is alive and requires mobility, change and attentiveness to His call in a changing culture.  As we stay unified in the Lord, eyes fixed on Him we will be alright…even thrive.  

2022 is upon us.  Who knows what it will bring, but we know He will be with us no matter the circumstances.  I pray the Lord blesses us richly in many ways.