It’s “birthday weekend” at our house. We will celebrate the blessing of time. Ethan into his teenage years and Devin into his “fourth quarter.” Balloons will be blown up, candles will be blown out, but may we never forget the blessing of time. Time to treasure, love, and listen. Time to talk, make memories, and make amends.
The state of the world on this birthday weekend is remarkably different than the 2020 birthday celebrations. During 2020 birthday weekend, the pandemic had not yet hit America. We were not yet fearful or overtaken by forces of evil in the form of hate, riots, and division. Perhaps we were naïve or had our heads in the sand, but we celebrated those birthdays with hope on the horizon. It felt like a new season was coming.
Oh yes – a new season did, in fact, come.
The season of 2020 was not what we were expecting. Who could’ve expected what occurred in America in 2020. Some may say, “it’s about time!” Others may say, “it’s a disgrace!” Regardless, a new season swept over us. The blessing of time became bolder for many reasons.
The fear of death made the blessing of time shine brighter. The unrest made the blessing of time come into sharper focus. It was time to return home, return to family, return to the problem of racism, return to political debate.
While the methods employed scarred my soul, the blessings did come forth. While a few spoiled the blessings, we needed to tackle these tough issues. Many had their hearts softened, their minds opened. The fear and unrest had many seeking something, anything to grasp onto to make sense of the pain and loneliness. Many turned back to God, prayer, and the Bible (click here for my collection of Scriptures about the power and comfort of God; or click here to read anywhere in the Bible).
Whatever it was, 2020 was a blessing of time. As we march deeper into 2021, my prayer is for even more recognition that time itself is precious and a gift from Almighty God. I pray our nation turns, shift, runs back into the merciful arms of God. May He lavish us with the blessing of time to return to Him, time to return to kindness, compassion, mercy, and justice. O Lord, give us time to make things right!
Who understands the power of Your anger
And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.Do return, Lord; how long will it be?
Psalm 90:11-13 (NASB)
And be sorry for Your servants.
Bless us, O God, with time to rend our hearts of selfishness. Time for wisdom to set in. Time to love others as Jesus loves us. Time to love the Lord our God with all of our hearts, minds, and strength – and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
By the power of Jesus ~ Amen.
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