Hear the Good News Again
There comes a point every winter where I think to myself, “Enough is enough!” I reached that point this last week.
I reached that point this last week. The wonderment of the season’s first snowflakes has long since disappeared as we experienced one of the larger snowfalls of the year, complicating even the simplest of plans. The joy of “sweater weather” has long since lost its luster that it had in October, as we approach highs in the single digits. What were once good things, have worn out their welcome which brings into my mind the old saying “You can never have too much of a good thing” (are we sure about this?!?). Even as I bemoan the weather’s goodness wearing off, I realize it’s not the weather it’s me.
Good things are “good” because we decide they are. They bring us joy and wonderment. Things in and of themselves are neither good nor bad – they’re simply things. What changes is our place in time, our interests and our needs. I am certain, however, that no matter where I am in my life, the Gospel (literally meaning “Good News”) will always be something I need. The story of Christ’s life, death and resurrection continues to bring me wonderment and joy, comfort and inspiration.
When I struggle through seasons of loss I hear the Good News that I am not alone. I take comfort in the tears that Jesus sheds at the death of his friend, Lazarus. I find inspiration in the women who find the tomb empty that Easter morning, going to share the Good News with all, and in the process, becoming the first Apostles in all of recorded scripture. When I am complacent I hear the challenge to “love others as I love myself” anew. When I celebrate I find myself at Cana, joining the wedding celebration prolonged by the sign of water becoming wine. I guess what I am saying is that the Gospels are “good news for our bad (or good) situation.”
No matter how my life changes I can always trust in my faith as revealed in the promise of the scriptures - a promise of God’s grace and love given freely because I need it in all the seasons of my life. You can never have too much grace and love. This is most certainly true!