COVID has reared its ugly head again. I’ve been down for the count for 6 days. It has been pretty miserable but I’m thankful to be surviving. I’ll be okay again this time. I have a friend whose aging mother is in the hospital with the current variant. Looks like she’ll recover too, which is good. Sadly, others haven’t been so fortunate. It’s concerning that people continue to die of COVID.
Also flu. Pneumonia. Cancer…
Last night’s local news reported several automobile accident fatalities. Just today I heard about a firefighter who lost his life in the line of duty this morning.
We continue to deal with the crud of our fallen world. War in Ukraine. Israel vs. Hamas. Hostage situations. Terror attacks. Bombed hospitals. Arrogant and spiteful politicians spewing lies, hatred, and fear. It wears on us all.
I’m not sure if I’m wearied more from the fatigue of the virus my body is fighting or the darkness of the world in which we are living. So, today it is important to be reminded that we are loved by the God of light who calls us to embody His Kingdom in this world.
My good friend Arthur just spoke to 200 youth from our church this past weekend about our calling to serve as salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). My youngest daughter attended the retreat and came back talking about being “salty & lit” for Jesus. I’m grateful she’s getting this in her spirit. I’ve already seen it in her kind heart and her words of encouragement to her friends. I see it in the way she spends her time in positive past times rather than harmful or destructive activities. I see it as she engages with God in her Bible and as she texts with her friends about church activities. I also see it in my middle daughter’s life. I see it in her leadership in the high school band and in her inclusion of kids of all different types in her game nights and drum line parties. I see it as she chooses her close friends wisely and goes out to serve others in the community. I see it in her wise choices and maturity. I also see it in the life of our firstborn. I see it in her sharing the gospel with friends at her university, leading a weekly Bible study for girls on her floor, and volunteering each week at church to work with people who have disabilities.
It’s easy for me to look at the darkness in the world and get depressed. The decisions of world leaders, the actions of politicians, and the attitudes of mean people who yell at each other in the store can be so disappointing. Couple that with the uncertainty of natural disasters, sickness, and the inevitability of death and it can get overwhelming. But I am reminded that there is light to be seen in the lives of so many people around us. We just need to open our eyes to see it because when we do, it brings us hope and joy. I’m thankful for the light that has been brought into my life by my kids. And I’m excited to think about the 200 teens who just immersed themselves in a weekend dedicated to growing closer to Jesus, the Light of the world, and taking seriously His call to be salt and light.
So, in the midst of the darkness I am reminded of Jesus’ words in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
May we take heart in Jesus’ Lordship over all things. May we see His beauty and light in the lives of those around us and may we point it out and celebrate it. May we encourage it even as we are encouraged by it. And may we live as lights in the world, even as we fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the Light of the world.
Amen.
