October 2022
Fall seems to have come fully and suddenly this year. It was hot on the last official day of summer and has been steadily cooler every day since. The steadiness of fall’s arrival stands in stark contrast to the uncertainty of the days we are living in. Though I struggle some days with our present circumstances, I work hard at remaining positive.
Even so, it is difficult to watch the destruction that has occurred in Florida. I ache for a family struggling together as they watch their daughter/sister struggle with the devastating effects of an disease that is considered incurable. Our family has experienced more deaths in the last year than any previous year I can remember. I wrestle with fear as I hear of coming supply shortages and the potential of war.
Where can I find the positive in all of this? I look for the hand of God. Often I have to search to find His hand, needing to look deeper than what I would hope for in a perfect world. I search with confidence knowing that His love and faithfulness will never fail. I often find Him in the loving responses from family and community. You may disagree with me, but I don’t think people are capable of true love and compassion without His leading.
So I choose to trust in the faithfulness of God. I listen to how He may direct me as I pray. I need to hear from Him to know what specifics to ask for. I know that we are to pray with confidence that our prayers will be answered, but I honestly find that often I don’t know what to pray. He knows far more than I, so I choose to allow Him to take the lead and trust Him with the outcome.
These are difficult days. The family I mentioned earlier chooses to lean on God to endure the storm they are facing. Their faith is their anchor and their expression of that faith is inspirational to anyone following their journey. They inspire me and remind me that my own challenges are so much smaller.
As I am preparing for whatever may come I find it helpful to think beyond myself. A question that directs me is, “How can I be ready to share what I have with thanksgiving?” So as I gather a little extra, I try to make sure I have enough to be truly generous. I hope this attitude will posture me to engage with God in offering that loving response I watch for.
I ask you to join me in preparing to be generous. Together we can watch for the beauty that comes in the fall as the world around us tucks itself into bed and gets ready for the long sleep of winter. Spring will come and if we can remain connected to family and friends, holding fast to our faith, we will be there to great it joyfully.