“It was the best of times…It was the worst of times…” I feel like I understand those famous words of Charles Dickens “Tale of Two Cities,” more and more as I age. Really, these days in which we are living are the best of times. And yet, they are the worst of times too.
These are the best of times in so many ways. Medical breakthroughs are continually being made. Treatments for diseases, illnesses, and conditions are commonplace that just a generation or two ago were unthinkable. In recent years we’ve heard of certain diseases being eradicated. Detection and diagnosis of disease and physical ailments can now be made earlier when many of the conditions are more treatable. We now know that certain human behaviors can have a significant impact on health and disease, thus we are more responsible for our own well-being.
The technological abilities that we have today in our world are phenomenal. To think that the car that I drive and the phone that I carry with me has more computing power than did the space craft that landed on the moon in 1969. Speaking of my cell phone, it is amazing to think that I carry a device that allows me to connect with someone in real time, on the other side of the earth. And I can connect with multiple family members at the same time, even though they are spread out across the USA. Plus, I was able to use my cell phone to make sure I was remembering correctly that the USA first landed on the moon in 1969. We did. Actually, we landed twice on the moon in 1969. The first in July and the second in November.
Yet, these are also the worst of times. Health care costs are so incredibly high that there are some in our country who simply cannot afford the treatment that would cure them. Many of us couldn’t afford the treatments if it wasn’t for insurance. The device in my pocket, my cell phone, though it revolutionized our ability to connect with people all around the world…yet it has also led to greater isolation and even disconnect between people and families. We’re too busy looking at our hand/phone rather than looking outward at another person. Plus, the wonders of Google Search has added to our impatience of having to wait a minute or two…or ten for information, or situations, that we want now.
I am mindful that it seems that the seasons of Advent and Lent are both not particularly popular or observed as they used to be in the church. Both seasons are about waiting for something exciting to happen. Years ago, Advent was viewed as a more somber season. Lent still is. I’m not suggesting that we need to go back to the days of Advent being a time of somber reflection, not at all. But it is true as a society, we want to rush through Advent and simply jump right into all the joy, music, goodies, and gifts of Christmas with out pausing to prepare our minds and very beings for the season of Christmas and what it really represents for those of us who are Jesus followers. Besides the instant popcorn and cocoa, our society also tends to want instant faith.
Well, I’m here to tell you, I have the answer to faith and a connection with God in three steps. Yes, you heard me right…THREE STEPS!!! Step #1 – Keep on Praying for God’s presence to be known in our lives, in our community, and in our world. Step #2 – Keep living faithfully for God and God’s Kingdom. Step #3 – Keep trusting God with the outcomes. Now, I didn’t say three EASY steps. I thought about it, but I knew that wouldn’t be true. This all takes time…this all takes waiting
So much of the spiritual journey with God is about patience, trusting, and faithfulness. Great words that do reflect the season of Advent. How about we each put the phone down for just a moment or two…or three or four each day and simply wait on God or wait with God in this season of waiting we call Advent.
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith