Usually about this time in February, the excitement of a new year and all its promise has grown as cold as the bell in a Saskatoon steeple. The sun has pulled a blanket of clouds over its head as if it’s waiting for March before it’ll start another day. And the grindstone wears a little harder against our frostbit noses.
But there is good news. The sun is still shining above all those clouds. If you need some help seeing the silver lining today, here’s a short list of things to be happy about, grateful for, and motivated by.
1. Salvation
It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day details, but this life is extremely brief in light of eternity. And as a child of God, you are going to spend it with Jesus in Heaven. Eternity is forever, and in the words of the late pop star Prince, “that’s a mighty long time.”
2. Reality
Reality is that strange thing you see when you look up from your phone or away from your television. Contrary to what social media is telling us, the sky is not falling. And if it really is, go back to point #1. Yes, we are living in challenging times, but it is so much better than what we are told. Focus on the good stuff. Ignore the rest.
3. Change
In this earthly realm, nothing lasts forever. This is only bad news if you’re one of the rare people enjoying every minute of your life right now. For the rest of us, change is something to celebrate. One of the best phrases in the Bible (KJV) is “It came to pass.” If you’re sick, you will be well again. If you’re down, you will be back up. If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, you…um… there are 31 other teams you can root for. (I don’t say that to pick on the Lions but as a Lions fan choosing to laugh about it, instead of the alternative.)
4. Indoor Plumbing
Those two words sum up all that is wonderful about the modern era. Just try to imagine your life without hot showers or toilets. Much of humanity lived without them, and some people still do. Add to that electricity and all it powers, plus grocery stores, books, music, toothpaste, pillows… Just close your eyes and take a moment to imagine life in the BC years. Spend a few minutes in their shoes, or rather in their sandals, or possibly just in their calluses. Think about how they eat, sleep, and survive. Don’t just see it and hear it. Smell it. Now, open your eyes and look around. Your life is better.
5. God’s Sovereignty
One of the most encouraging things about believing in God is knowing deep in your heart that He is in control. This is a difficult fact to believe at times, especially in a Job season. But God is fully aware of what you’re going through. And He’s got your back. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” — Romans 8:28 (CSB). As horrible as your Friday may be, your Sunday is coming.
One of my favorite moments in life is when I’m taking a flight on a rainy, gloomy day. Shortly after take-off, as the plane is rising through the clouds, the cabin suddenly fills with sunlight. It had been shining the whole time. I just needed a change of perspective to realize it. Even at night, that sun is still shining. So if you’re going through a dark season, give it a little time. We’ll all see the light again soon.
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