After this year, the saying “hindsight is 2020” will have new meaning for us who lived through it.
I can safely say that no one in our community saw this pandemic coming. And, with it the disruptions... isolation, death, loss, etc. We have been through “it” this year. Families have been quarantined, schools closed (and opened and closed again), hospitals overwhelmed, food lines, sports canceled, small businesses closed and much more.
We have had to navigate many challenges! I remember back at the beginning of March, how I was reassured by God that this did not catch God unaware.
God was not surprised. Yet, that was ten months ago, and since then so much has occurred. I find myself wondering about my faith and decisions made. Do I have enough? Were the decisions the correct ones? Through this year and its challenges, it has been stressful, a pressure cooker at times. I have also felt supported and that I was not “in this” alone. I have had times of joy and times of deep loss. I suggest we all, each of you can relate to the ups and downs of this past year.
When I think about it, it seems a lot like life condensed. There were births and there were deaths, there was gain and loss, sad times and happy, isolation and communion.
Through it all, God has been here. Sometimes more profound and reassuring... Other times less; when I had to trust that God was still present and guiding. At this point in my life, that just seems like life to me. Life that was somehow condensed and rolled up into a single year. Life that continues along a course, wondering where God is at times, if I am doing the things that I am supposed to do, feeling guilty for times of joy when some are suffering, and then looking for ways to minister to those who are in need. Questioning my motivations, looking for God’s guidance, and on and on.
I hope you can relate to my rambling reflection. I think 2020 will be infamous, and I am happy it will soon be hindsight. It will take on new meaning from this time forward. As you and I look back on it,
I hope and pray you will recognize God’s provision, help, comfort, and assurance along the way. Though God might not always be profoundly evident. God is Our Father. A good Father, who loves and cares and accompanies along this journey of life. In the good and in the bad.
Proverbs 3:5-6: 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
- Pastor Norm
