Here in Ontario, Canada we have the joy of experiencing a consistent change in weather, with it sometimes slowly moving from balmy hot days to smooth and cooler ones. The weather like COVID has hit us suddenly so, yes, our temperatures have dropped quickly and suddenly. It’s not to my liking. Summer is my jam. You’ll never hear me complain about the heat because after 45 years in this country, I know when cool days come it also gets darker earlier.
That said, September also holds another suddenly that I experienced in 2016. In September 2016, I received the second diagnosis of breast cancer. The memory is still fresh and although I don’t dwell on it for long – it is part of my story. It is something I have to remember at times during the seasons we are in when I’m called out on not wearing a mask or other things that may compromise my health.
Change, change, change – it’s a word we have become all too familiar in 2020. Change is not bad, however, it becomes harder when we are not expecting it, right? Being in leadership roles helps you to understand that change is an expected reality and sometimes change will happen quickly. The only way you can be prepared for it is to acknowledge that it will happen and there is no prediction as to how or when change will happen. Stay alert, aware and expectant.
As the days go on, we must expect change more frequently, but even in that expectation, we take heart and know that we don’t have to be afraid. Scripture tells us in Mark 13:19-20:
19 For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. 20 In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.
More change is yet to come. The Ontario provincial leadership announced today (Sept. 21) that rather than going forward, we are changing back to the allowance of smaller numbers gathering indoors, and if you plan on having a party outside in your home or venue it’s back to 25. Yes, another change.
Oftentimes, I want to get up and yell at the top of my lungs, “enough is enough!” My yelling would probably do nothing but have the neighbours look at us and say, “get a grip.” Well maybe not, because I’m sure many agree with me! We are supposed to be changing for the better, not going backwards.
*Deep sigh.*
My friend, keep your head up. I say that to myself as well. Again, change is gonna come in some form and not always the way we would like it to. However, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. This gives me comfort and for me, knowing that I am not alone is truly sufficient.
Be encouraged, more changes to come, but God is with us – don’t be afraid. He’s got us.
Be resilient and stand!
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