Is Christ Part Of Your New Normal?

 

It’s been a while since a blog entry and in these intervening months both
a lot of things have changed as well as many things have stayed the same.

The pandemic is still with us and covid19 cases are on the rise again especially amongst those who have chosen not to be vaccinated. Vaccination clinics remain open across towns and cities all over Canada- some busier than others. Schools have reopened for children and youth with special scheduling of classes and limited mixing of children. Universities and colleges are offering some inclass sessions but it depends upon the program and the numbers of young people involved in a particular program.

With the pandemic  many deaths have occurred leaving many people grieving. I too grieve and mourn the death of my mom not because of covid19 but because of cancer and how quickly she declined. Like many families we could not have a traditional memorial gathering but were limited to outdoors and a smaller number of people to be with us.  But unlike others who died in hospital without family members beside them, my family was with my mom as she died at home.

A federal election was called with only 36 days to campaign and sway eligible voters. Many Canadians believed it was and is the wrong to have an election but it is upon us now. So get out and vote as you are able! With this election looming, our governments are at a standstill in deciding next steps for opening the economy and the country to trade and to respond to the many needs of the people who are hurting, homeless and facing troubling times.

What else has changed? The way we work has changed in many industries. Working from home is great as it saves driving vehicles, commute time and even what clothes one wears. But what is lost is a sense of comradery, connecting with co-workers and even the ability to talk to others about outside interests. Lost is the water cooler discussions over common experiences except the current tasks.  There are many companies considering reducing their office space and offering remote work to the next generation on a permanent basis. A reason for this is that new hires do not have opportunities to find apartments or affordable housing. Affordable housing is a major issue in these times. Houses which used to sell for $200,000 are now sold for double or triple the cost with mortgage payments well into thousands each month. This is a concern and how and when it will end is uncertain.

But there is hope in the hearts of those who believe in God. Sure, many people have asked where has God been since the pandemic began? How and why are we enduring such a fate? Is God up to something to bring about change in the world? Or just what is it that calls us to be hopeful?

Jesus came into the world to bring hope. Are we searching for hope or the means by which we may receive eternal hope? Jesus offers us this hope even in this world of change and challenge; of routine and uncertainty. For having hope in Jesus means living today while looking to tomorrow with loving others. Hope is alive in those who love God. Hope is something we each need for without it our life loses its meaning.  Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly". We are each seeking an abundant life in the midst of challenge and change. We need to hold on to hope in Christ.

PRAYER: God of grace and love, thank you for the hope that comes in Christ. Enable us to have hope and to put our faith in Jesus who brings this hope alive in all who believe. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.