The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps. Proverbs 16:9
What a time we have had! As I write this, we are quickly approaching the one-year anniversary of our first pandemic shutdown in Virginia which occurred on March 13, 2020. As we entered 2020, I suspect none of us knew what really lay ahead. Even as everything closed, our common expectations that these troubles would last two weeks, or perhaps a month, seemed reasonable. When it comes to days like these, the old saying might have been proven true, “Humans plan, and God laughs.”
Cliches and proverbs are many, but the truth remains. We are short-sighted, emotional beings. We might make plans, but we are not aware of all the variables nor fully in control. For most of us, we struggle with that reality. Yet, both good things and bad things always happen in our world, and none of them, good or bad, last forever. On the other hand, God’s love does last, and God truly has been guiding us through some perilous, curious times. Through it all, yes, there has been much to grieve, but there has been much to celebrate as well. Within our congregation and families, we have celebrated marriages and births, and many other celebrations marking life passages within the lives of those we love. Upon reflection, we discover that “time marches on,” but also God walks with us. God’s Spirit constantly seeks to comfort us and direct us. We are surrounded by love in creation and in our homes. Even when seemingly alone, we remain in communion that neither time nor distance can stop.
As the Orthodox Divine Liturgy begins, the deacon proclaims to the priest, “It is time [kairos] for the Lord to act.” Chronos (meaning time) is used for speaking about sequential time like weeks and months. Kairos (also meaning time) is used to indicate an opportune, beneficial time for action. And here in worship, no matter the day or season, good or bad, there is an expectation that all will be well. All is well. God is acting to save and bless. That’s just who God is.
I wish I could write that all our daily troubles are behind us. I continue to hope that we will be together soon although we cannot really know when or how that will be as I write. Yet at the same time, I understand and trust that God is with us. Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, who exists outside of time also is at work within it. And the Spirit, our Advocate who acts to guide, console, and pray for us, seeks to bring us a conviction of faith, a trust, in a God who loves us always.
Originally published in the March newsletter of Christ Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, VA.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.
© 2021 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.
2pennyblog 