"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Our Bible study group chose these verses from 1 Thessalonians 5 to guide us through 2021. Attitude matters. Appreciation matters. Thanking God, whatever happens, matters. These are the daily practices that keep hope, joy, and peace alive.
And a lot of tough stuff has happened of late, personally, nationally, and globally.
In my circle, loved ones have been hospitalized, have had to move out and move in despite Covid-19 constraints, have had to become online learners rather than on-campus students, and have become remote employees with nary a co-worker in sight. Beef up the home network and web conferencing skills!
Nationally, the country is queuing up for promised vaccines while putting travel on hold, year 2. Resuming normal interactions is still fraught with danger, what with the spread of Covid-19 mutations. So many forego holding the grandbaby, visiting friends, celebrating in a restaurant, relaxing at a concert/play, or gathering at funerals and weddings. It certainly didn't help that American government leaders were feuding over power and fencing over constitutional principles and practices, post-presidential election. Defending a democratic nation is demanding, draining for all involved, and deadly for some.
Internationally, many are suffering. Tanzania's leader has unilaterally rejected the Covid-19 vaccine for all its citizens. No public health relief, only politics. Leaders of other countries would like to protect their citizens but can't get sufficient vaccine supplies. And the on-going 21st century crises continue to undermine civilizations: rising seas and storms due to global warming, wars, sex-trafficking, hunger, poverty, unemployment, lack of educational opportunity. Yes, these issues and others weigh heavily on our hearts.
Have you heard of "forest bathing" where you walk the woods to decompress and appreciate beauty. Since time began, Christians have bathed their lives in prayer. If you are a fiction reader of the Mitford series by Jan Karon, perhaps you have read Bathed in Prayer: Father Tim's Prayers, Sermons, and Reflections, 2018? Christians go on in faith. We endure by the power of the Holy Spirit. We stand firm on foundational truths: God loves us. God is with us. God delivers us through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. We take comfort from the lives of saints who preceded us and struggled as we do. As pilgrims, we give thanks in all circumstances, for life today and forevermore.
