It’s Friday and Sunday’s Comin’!
A teetering stack of stones is a symbol of anxiety for me. When I’m anxious it feels like all those “stones” that make up my life could fall at any moment.
But most of us have had some of those symptoms of anxiety in the last couple of years — feeling nervous, restless or tense; having a sense of impending doom; increased heart rate or breathing rapidly, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, excessive worry — the list goes on! Psychologists tell us that the pandemic has put us into a situation of collective anxiety (in addition to other kinds of anxiety) because there is so much unknown and the future feels fragile.
This is not, of course, new information. So is it good news or bad news?
It’s rare that something new and good comes along without us feeling anxious. For example, were you ever new to Brown County? You gave up friends and long-time connections to make the change. Ever had a new child in your life? You gave up the independence and ability to come and go on your own timeline in order to accept the amazing new baby. We learn to accept the bad with the good as we keep watch for the ways that God is working in our lives.
Jesus addresses the good news/bad news truth in his longest sermon in Mark (13:1-8) He reminds us that God uses all things to keep our eyes focused on the good news of the kingdom. If only we have ears to hear!
I hope to see you on Sunday as we consider these words of Jesus again!
Blessings always,
Pastor Mary
