Dew Drops
What a strange year this has been.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Today's reading from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians talks about rejoicing and giving thanks. I wonder how many people feel like rejoicing today.
As I look out on this foggy morning from my window, I notice dew drops clinging to tiny branches on a tree nearby. Each drop glistens with the light that is trapped in it, while it hangs suspended, just the right weight that it doesn't fall.
I imagine these drops could be us and the branches are the lives we lead.
Each drop has its own place on the branch, keeping its distance from every other.
We are alone in this world, and this year has made that more evident than years past. We hold fast to life and try desperately to avoid the evil that could snatch away everything.
What better time than now to realize that we have something special in our relationship with God. Jesus has come to show us the way back to God, the way out of despair and exile.
This Advent, as we wait for the coming of the child in the manger, let us give thanks for everything, whether it is good or bad, and let us pray for one another.
May we find a way to shine the light of the Spirit like the drops of dew on the branches, and remain faithful.
And when this dark period is over, let us not forget how we felt, so we will be ever more grateful.
More to come...