“Finding Our Way”
The past couple of months have been like none other we’ve experienced, whether as individuals, families, or communities. Adaptations and adjustments have had to be made in virtually every facet of life. People are working at home, working in stressful situations, or, even worse, not working at all. Business owners have scrambled to find ways to generate some income just to exist on some level, and hopefully keep a few employees on the payroll. Families with students have had the rug of education pulled out from under them, and parents are, by default, teaching their own children in tandem with the online presence of the classroom teachers. The retirement-age group is cautioned to stay home with very few exceptions. Not only do they miss social activities, but these faithful volunteers can no longer contribute to the community as they serve in libraries, museums, schools, churches and medical facilities.
With high school seniors ready to graduate, rather than heading off to the high school football field, auditorium, or civic center, students and their families are staying home. Ceremonies are drive-through or virtual events, and the parties are cancelled or postponed. It’s impressive how much effort and creativity schools, faculty, and families have put into giving the graduating seniors something to remember, and we can safely assume they’ll recall what it was like to be the Class of 2020!
Graduation speakers, whether in person or online, face a cross-section of a community, and relating to such a diverse group is obviously a challenge. As our Lord advised and instructed his followers, his words are meaningful to any group and in every situation:
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Jesus was frequently addressed as “Teacher” by his disciples, as they eagerly listened to his teachings, discussed the meanings of the parables, and faithfully followed him throughout his ministry. Encouraging his listeners to be active in living their faith, Christ was telling them to take initiative — ask, search, knock on doors. Their part in furthering God’s kingdom would take some effort as they learned what their abilities were and how to use them.
Through the ups and downs of life, there will be times when we ask, but it might not be the right question or perhaps we disagree with or dislike the answer. We may search, but we have a problem deciding or understanding what we’re actually searching for. And we might knock on a door, and be disappointed at what we find when it opens. Through all our blundering, Jesus will find us even if we aren’t doing a very good job of searching for him, he will open the door for us, and he will give us what he knows we need.
Trusting in the promises,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers
Lead Me, Guide Me
https://youtu.be/hz5FnSi4Ba0