Have you noticed?
Have you noticed it's getting darker earlier? Have you noticed it's staying darker longer? A few weeks ago, I mentioned on my Facebook page that the weather in central Maryland felt absolutely perfect to this western boy: it was a little cool in the morning, had a high of 78-81, and cooled down nicely in the evening. Have you noticed the weather is beginning to feel a little more like fall than summer?
The leaves haven't quite yet begun to turn, but they can't be far behind; and by now I would have had three football meetings, with the season fast approaching.
Things are changing. Kids are going back to school, or gearing up for a school year at home. The weather is starting to cool. The light is starting to fade. The seasons are beginning to change and there's a feeling of freshness in the air – at least there is with me. Fall just feels . . . fresh.
But that freshness, that feeling of new beginning – with new school years, new sports seasons (even though most aren't being played), the traditional start of a new program year at church – can lull us into a sense of complacency. Have you noticed that?
Stores are opening up. Restaurants are opening up. Movie theaters are reopening. Other businesses are following suit. Have you noticed?
As we move into the new season, pay attention. Pay attention for the need to continue wearing masks. Pay attention for the need to continue to exhibit extraordinary compassion. Pay attention to the desire, in you and in others, to “get back to normal” more quickly than is safe. Pay attention to what we are doing right to help keep people safe, and work to continue those efforts.
In all of this – the seasonal change, the return to school, the slow opening of businesses, the continued presence of the coronavirus – have you noticed God working in and around you?
In this season of change, try not to get too carried away with the newness of everything, but notice the consistent presence of God. And then maybe ask yourself, “Am I noticing the right things?”
Be observant,
Todd+
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