Rev. Dr. Lakeya Stewart
“I can’t wait for 2020 to be over!” Have you said that? If you haven’t, do you know someone who has said that? It’s no secret that 2020 has been a difficult year. Many of us have experienced something we thought only appeared in things like history books…a global pandemic! It’s not just the United States that has been impacted; literally, the entire world has been touched by this virus.
Lately, I have felt a personal conviction to seize the moment. I found myself like many other folks wishing and even praying the days away, like I do during the winter. I really enjoy spring, summer and fall. I am at my happiest when the weather is warm (not too hot) and I can sit outside and enjoy a breeze. As soon as late fall/early winter arrives, you can find me praying something like this:
“Dear Lord, I know some people are praying for snow this season, but I am asking that you hold back the snow! I am asking that you send warm weather. Having totaled two cars in the winter months in Indiana, my anxiety increases when the temperature decreases, so Lord, please move this mountain and send warm weather. Of course, only if it be your will. Amen.”
My prayers are often genuine as it is true that the accidents have caused great anxiety for me about driving in inclement weather. Although this is true, we all know that living in Indiana, we experience all seasons and unfortunately, winter is one of them. (It’s okay to smile!)
You know, life is full of seasons just like our natural weather. As much as I do not like winter, we must go through that season before we return to spring. It’s just a part of life. The same is true for us in our everyday life. Good days and bad days are all part of the cycle of life. We must endure difficult seasons in our life to appreciate the relaxing seasons.
I just want to be clear here. I understand that COVID-19 has caused the untimely deaths of many people. I can personally name 10 or more people that I know who have passed because of this unfortunate virus. There is nothing “good” about that; however, the nature of our God still does not change.
Wishing our time away does us very little good. I believe God is challenging me to “Live in the now.” He is challenging me to survey our current reality so that I can appreciate the good days when they come around. I have learned a lot about myself during this season. I have learned that being alone recharges me and offers me a sense of clarity, perspective and focus. It’s not always the scary time of boredom that I once thought.
I want to challenge you to consider changing your perspective about 2020, God is with us and if He is with us, we will be ok. Be blessed.