Time keeps moving forward never backwards. Life does not stand still for anyone in this world, no matter how hard the desire is to hold onto a good moment to savor it and to digest into memory, that moment passes quickly as water through the fingers. Life at best is very brief. No matter how life is composed, whether made of good times, bad times, happiness or sadness it is moving forward. No one on this earth can stop time or turn back its cruel hands. But there is comfort in the knowledge of hope.
Without hope we are most miserable. Hope enables us to glance up and to look ahead and not behind, to see a promise of something that can be and as faith would gain strength, will be.
“…who against hope believed in hope…” Romans 4 verse 18 a
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1Peter 1 verse 3
Hope means expectation, desire, something to look forward to; hope never dies. Christ is our hope. Mercy means compassion, forgiveness, kindness. God has granted these favours on us – He sent His son to die for us. He raised His son from the dead so that we can live forever. (Vicissitudes of Life 2007)
…who against hope believed in hope and hope does not put me to shame. Therefore, my heart is glad because my trust is in the Lord and I wait on him. For his promises are true and He is my hope. It is He who renews my strength, for when I am weak then I am strong. Hence, I can run and not be weary, walk and not faint and fly high above the heavens like the eagles that soar.
Forasmuch as you know your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Adapted from the KJV
Now comes the weeping,
then the glad reaping,
Now comes the labour in the Lord
then the reward. – by Anon
2021 is a new year, another chance to start fresh with a so called clean slate. Although this year is new, the hardships, stress and pain of 2020 are old and will not so easily disappear but will linger. Nevertheless, we can rest assure there is HOPE as we pray for something better.
But for now in this early part of the year 2020, the beginning of this new decade, it is important to practise social distancing in order to flatten the curve so that things can get back to normal.
Humbertown Mall Social Distancing
Social Distancing in March 2020
Saying this is the new normal is like saying there is no hope.
Is it normal to stay in our homes for days, weeks or even months; some people live alone whereas others live with roommates, family or pets. Is it normal to wear a mask out in public going to work or to appointments or just out picking up groceries?
Is it normal to put a long awaited wedding, class graduation or birthday party online and have friends and family post in through social media because everyone in the city has to remain apart, at a two meter distance?
That isn’t normal. That isn’t living. But for now in this early part of the year 2020, the beginning of this new decade, it is important to practise social distancing in order to flatten the curve so that things can get back to normal. Back to a time when socializing was to laugh, talk and be happy face to face without this virus hanging in the air.
The days of getting together with friends and family for some kind of social aren’t gone forever. This is only a bump along the road of life and rest assured, “all these things must come to pass. But the end is not yet.” (Matthew chapter 24: verse 8, KJV)
There is always hope and without having faith, hope isn’t possible
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” and hope does not disappoint us. (Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 and Romans 5 verse 5, KJV)
A new decade makes a new start. Every day is different and can be unique. Or so we can hope. Some people may hate the idea of going into a new year or even a new day when they have to face many adversities. When tragedy strikes and there is no where to turn, it is hard to see the new year as something bright and blessed. It becomes another day.
Last year was very trying for us. Who is us? My family consists of my sisters, my little puppy and me. Two of my sisters are married and have households with husbands and grown children making them family units of their own. But my household is where I live of course, and where I am loved. The old saying by Roman author and philosopher, Pliny the Elder ( AD. 23-79) Home is where the heart is”– can never be truer for me. The idea of “home”, a place of safety, a place where I can find love and protection is always where I want to be. Home for one person may not be a place, “actual point in space or a position” as written in the English dictionary, but it could be one person or a group of people. It is more than just a noun, a person, place or thing but can also be a state of being. A state of being free, relaxed and loved.
Who is us? For me us is my loved ones, those individuals who want me around without question and those who can judge me, correct me and make me feel like I am important. They are my family and with them comes a home where my heart is.
What happens if there is no one or no place to go for safety and security, a home where there is always criticism and censure. A place where there is no safety. Or just plainly put, a home where there is nothing or not enough?
There is One who will be your everything, a “home” at all times. God can be that “home”, the place of safety and love.
In the Bible it reads:
And you shall seek me (God), and find me (God), when you shall search for me (God) with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. – Matt 7:7
This is a new decade and a new day and a fresh start. Put God first everyday and in everything you do.
I have my “home” with my family and I am blessed to have an eternal “home” in Christ Jesus because He is my rock, my shield and my help. He gave me this family and I can thank Him everyday. He daily loads me with benefits (blessings) that I can never say enough because I have made Him Lord of my life.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits – psalm 68:19
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