Quite the Season

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

And I don’t mean, how long it’s been since I last wrote.

It’s been a while since…

• Things felt normal.

• Life felt stable.

• The world wasn’t tense.

Through Coronavirus, quaratines, spikes, testing, and death trackers.

Through the unjust death of George Floyd, which sparked an outrage and response (rightfully so) across our country.

Through the changing of seasons, finishing school at home, and adjusting to a new work/life balance.

It’s just been a while.

My wife frequently says it feels like “life is being taken” in so many ways from so many people.

Paul writes: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.

In many ways, big or small, we’ve all suffered. You don’t need to feel ashamed about that whether it feels small or large.

In many ways, we’ve endured. And through that endurance, we’ve had to persevere.

But here’s the question: What kind of character will we develop? And will that character eventually lead to hope?

It’s up to us, right now, in this very moment, to decide: Will we let this season shape us - our character, our hearts, and our souls? And when it’s all over, will we still be people of hope?

I know it’s been a while. It’ll be a while longer.

Hang in there friends.

Look to Jesus.

Let this season develop character in all of us so we remain people of hope.