My experience of February has been 28 brutal days with no "grace period." As the cold months of winter give their final salute and the first buds of spring make their appearance, the irony is not lost on me. "Beware the Ides of March" may be a literary nerd's nod to Shakespeare, but the phrase is also commonly recognized as a bad omen. As I rush to complete this blog by deadline, I consider the mixed emotions that I feel this month. With my birthday approaching, I realize that life is a precious gift that must be treasured. I lost my only sister unexpectedly during the month of March, several years ago. Her funeral was held on my birthday. Yet God was just as faithful then as now and He is equally sovereign during moments of grief and celebration. But I like bittersweet for chocolate, NOT LIFE!
It has been said that a mother's closest brush with death is felt during the intense birth pangs that bring forth new life. Ironic, yet true. Without Good Friday, there would be no Resurrection Sunday and even seeds require a period of dormancy before germination occurs. Death and life are not opposites; they have a symbiotic relationship. Just ask Lazarus. The breath of God makes all the difference. So what is the meaning of life? There is no authoritative answer, but to me, death is the absence of purpose and life is being fully awakened to God's presence. Life is about God holding us when all of our strength is gone.
In my book, "Storm Chasers," I liken the pandemic to a season of forced hibernation. In a very real sense, animals cheat death by conserving their energy during the stormy winter months. Similarly, after being fully depleted, we should welcome a restorative period of rest. It is important to remember that trials have an expiration date and both mountains and valleys are equally purposeful. March is a beautiful month, so full of possibility. Yet, without the backdrop of a bleak winter, there might be no context for its splendor. For me, this is a season of contradictions. Life. Death. God. Man. Justice. Mercy. God is in the middle of it all just trying to get our attention. Maybe it's time to slow down and listen.
"Signs of life" can be deceiving. Neither is dormancy death nor is a flurry of activity proof that one's destiny is being fulfilled. God alone causes new life to spring forth both naturally and spiritually. The world has never been in a stormier season and the death toll from COVID-19 is overwhelming. But one momentous Friday afternoon changed everything. Christ’s death impacted nature; darkness fell and an earthquake shook the land. At that moment, God incarnate conquered every storm that you and I would ever face. On Sunday, there were clear skies and a heartbeat. HE IS ALIVE and death is powerless! So let's put out the red carpet for March.
John 11:25 (KJV) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
My dear friend, Wendy, you are so right! We lost a dear friend last week to Covid-19, but the heavens honored his time on Earth. He was a faithful and active Christian. March promises hope and life and change. God is always present in our lives and his Word gives us peace and strength. Thank you for your words of encouragement.