Coming of Age

No doubt about it, 2020 was a year to remember--and, for many of us, a year we would rather forget. We were broadsided with the sudden pandemic and all of the restrictions that have come with it. At the beginning of the year, we were hoping to see more clearly, with 20/20 vision, as prompted by the year itself. Then, when we began to see some things much more clearly than we expected, it was natural for us to long for better days and, in fact, a better year. 

No one expected so many instantaneous rules: Wear your mask; stay 6 feet apart; stay home; stay away from other people; don't go out to eat;  disinfect all surfaces, but don't hoard toilet paper and cleaning supplies; wash your hands; don't touch your face; stay away from funerals and weddings; get your vaccination. In a year when we were hoping for clearer vision, we got to see our innate selfishness and lack of concern for others, our "my way or the highway" mentalities. Unfortunately, 2020 showed us the seamier side of life in the US: corrupt politicians, rioters, hoarders, blowups on social media, cross words between friends and strangers, widespread distrust and contempt.

But now, 2020 is coming of age. Just as most twenty-year-olds look forward to that momentous day when they reach true adulthood at age twenty-one, we are expecting great things of 2021. We long for an end to petty quarrels and widespread division. We look forward to the day when masks will be obsolete and Covid, like polio and smallpox before it, will become a mere memory. 

As this New Year begins, isn't it natural for us to hope that so many people in our world will just "grow up?" Why can't some lawmaker legislate instant maturity? Or, perhaps some scientist somewhere can manufacture a kindness vaccine. 

But, even as the dreaded Coronavirus weakens, I wonder if the global sense of fear will also diminish. Will we place our trust in the scientists who are working so hard to contain the virus and administer a vaccine to an often unwilling population? Will we trust our new president and other elected officials to do the right thing at a time when scandals are commonplace and government seems ineffective and self-serving, at best?

In the midst of our uncertainties, there is one who is ready to confidently lead us into 2021. He knows our weaknesses and understands our fears. He is not at all surprised by the events of the last year. When the winding path ahead seems rock-strewn and hazardous, he will walk before us, making our path passable.

2021 will not be a perfect year. We live in a world filled with imperfect people just like us. We are often impatient, self-centered, unloving, and unkind. Perhaps this is the year to ask God to open our eyes so we can see HIM clearly, and see the unlovable people around us who need someone to show them some kindness and a lot of God's love. I suspect that even our feeblest attempts to love God, and the people around us, will produce more maturity than we can imagine. Only then will we truly begin to "Come of Age."

But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles (or even geese...); they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

 

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These verses give me the assurance that God will show me where to go and give me everything I need, even when times are hard. I hope they remind you of God's tremendous love for you, too.  

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me. Psalm 31:3

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8