Mike’s Musings ….
“This Has Been a Tough Month”
Several of us remember the “Blizzard of ‘78” quite well. The snowfall in Southeastern Ohio was between seven and nine inches, and the wind-fashioned snowdrifts were up to eight feet deep! Governors in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky (and perhaps in other mid-western states) ordered no travel orders, and those compromising those orders were subject to arrest IF emergency officials could find you. Yet, emergencies existed and some of us had no choice but to venture out and rescue those lives that could not have otherwise survived the elements. “Bravery” did not prompt the actions but love for those who could not care for themselves in such serious conditions.
This year, January has been almost as challenging as the blizzard, but in different ways. This has been one of the coldest Januarys we’ve endured in several years. Its effects have hampered several in several ways, including physical and emotional injury. Yet, God’s love and care have prevailed. We’re still warm, still well fed, and even if injury has inflicted us, we’ve survived!
We haven’t had it so “tough.” Our parents and grandparents regale us with stories of endurance that should embarrass us when we complain about hampering situations. We have comforts now our forefathers only dreamed of having. We are indeed well blessed! But are we GRATEFUL?
I muse on the “difficulty” of these newest weeks in a new year. Challenging? To be sure! But perhaps it is a “testing of our strength” more spiritually than physically. Are we “spoiled” by our “comfort zones?” Are we seeking the “easy way” of serving God in what we say and do? Think of the apostles and our brethren of the first century and then try to convince the honest heart of our “difficulties” in life! Maybe our “difficulties” aren’t so “difficult” after all – it’s our THANKSGIVING that needs adjustment. (Colossians 3:15) Hebrews 13:5 is the reminder: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Now, muse on that reality as you bow in prayer to thank God that things are just fine with Him in charge!