Puff…

Puff… as this is being written, the first snowfall of February 2021 has finally ended. Snow lovers and skiers are beyond happy. Snow plowers are beyond tired. And, for those confined to home, Spring sounds like a distant, blissful dream. Snowstorms bring massive inconveniences to almost everyone, but we hope that, at some time, each of us can take time to observe the transformed beauty of the fresh-fallen snow in our winter-dulled landscape, and to marvel at the amazing changes wrought by tiny, delicate snowflakes working en masse. There’s probably a lesson there.
Our world, in many ways, has not noticeably changed since before the storm. The virus persists as the number one concern and news story, enhanced by the distribution of a rapidly produced vaccine with its complications and questions. Politics continues to dominate the emotions of a certain segment of the population. The resulting fragmentation of our economy concerns almost everyone.
As a consequence of all this, we are somewhat disappointed that our churches are not overflowing with people desiring to cede control of this world back to a wise God. We certainly see a need for repentance and a new pathway for a contentious and self-centered populace. We despair that perhaps we have gone beyond the point where our people even know that there is Someone to turn to. Over the last generation or two, folks have arrogantly decided that they can, individually and as a nation, do it their own way. If ever there was a bad conclusion, it is that we, as individuals, are more able to work, to teach, to interact, and to live in a manner that dismisses all the wisdom and lessons to be found in God’s Word, the Bible.
We know there are prayer needs on a local basis within our church family. Don’t neglect them. But we also know that our prayers need to expand beyond our nearby concerns. We wish you a safe and healthy February. We also hope it will be a prayerful month for each other, our country and our world. Our God is in control, even when we neglect Him or pretend He doesn’t exist. May that comfort and strengthen us as we trust Him with the future. Virginia