The end of October is always a time of transition. The hot, humid summer days are finally behind us, and the mornings instead bring crisp fall air and the crunch of autumn leaves. The days get shorter, and the sun begins to set earlier. Pumpkins decorate every walkway, and Halloween candy lines the aisles of every grocery store. Calendars fill as teachers and professors scramble to fit in as many assignments as possible for Thanksgiving break!
Of course, 2020 has brought a lot of unique changes. Schools are open now, but we are separated by stringent class schedules and strict mask ordinances. Grocery stores may be full of pumpkin and candy corn, but the careful capacity monitoring and social distancing rules make it far less enjoyable to shop for holiday treats. It feels like all of the rules and regulations have been going on for so long that people are desperate to embrace any changes that come their way. When is this all going to end? When will this season be over?
Although it may seem like the COVID restrictions are never going to go away, I think it is important to embrace the hopeful reality that life does go on. Even if it seems like the world is turned upside down, the sun still rises and sets each morning. The gorgeous fall foliage brightens our mornings and brings the reminder that God is still in control of every season. No matter how much our expectations or plans get thwarted, nothing takes Him by surprise. He perfectly orchestrates every detail of our lives, just as He masterfully designs the beauty we see all around us.
During this time of year, with all the chaos of midterms, curriculum changes, sickness, elections, and so many unknowns, I think it is immensely comforting to focus on what is the same. Our traditions may look different this year, but we still have each other and the certainty that this season of change is ultimately working for our good. It can be so hard to refocus our thoughts on what is true, so I wanted to share some verses that have been especially comforting to me this week!
“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Malachi 3:6
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." Ecclesiastes 3:1
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23
"And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'" Revelation 21:5
I pray that each of you find peace during this season of change! We will make it through this time together, and I hope that these upcoming months bring us all closer together as we establish new traditions and hold onto the truths that God has promised us will always stay the same.
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