The second month of the year feels to me like the second mile of a hike in the woods. The first mile you wonder about all that could happen on this trek: is it too long, did we choose the right path, I think I am out of shape, what was that noise? The second mile it feels like you are getting into a rhythm, or groove, and you start to see and hear what is around you: the trees, the flowers, the potential of this particular adventure.
For us as we move into 2022 we have just had our annual meeting, programing is getting revved up again after the holiday season, and we are getting into the groove of ministry. We are now launched, if you will, into the work God has laid before us. As the Omicron variant wanes and there might be some "fresh air" ahead, I can't help but feel more hopeful!
Is this how Noah and his family felt as the water ebbed and the bird came back with a leaf in it's mouth? The voyage is not quite over, but your final port is near? Or, maybe how Jacob and his family caught in a famine and they discover Joseph is in charge of the feeding of the hungry - a hope that maybe he will forgive them and they might survive? Or, Mary and her friends as they discover the tomb empty - could it be true what Jesus said?
Scripture is full of stories of troubling times and struggle and how the people are encouraged to hang on to hope through their faith in a God who keeps promises. Israel/Jacob says to Joseph, "I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to the land of your ancestors." (Gen 48:21) or "do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isa 41:10)
