During this season we keep an eye to the future. Soon spring will start, the snow will melt, and the flowers will grow. Soon it will be Easter and we will mourn the crucifixion and then celebrate the resurrection. This eager anticipation helps form the rhythm of our year. As the seasons change, we are reminded of the renewing of the world.
It is far too easy to get lost in the routine of life: we drive the same car, work the same job, and see the same people day after day. It’s like when little kids want to watch the same show over and over; they don’t do it because of the riveting cinematography or superb storytelling. Their little brains are still learning to how to deal with expectations. So, when Nemo gets scooped up by the diver they have learned, “this is the part where I act shocked,” and when he gets reunited with his dad, “this is the part where I celebrate.”
We think we grow out of this at some point. We don’t. Our routines just become more complex than is contained in the 100 minutes of Finding Nemo. We like the routine, it makes us feel safe when we know what to expect throughout our day.
Even Church can become part of our routine. Instead of seeking deeper truth it becomes something we check off our weekly to do list. Nevertheless, if we can pause for a moment and think about all that is to come, all that God wants to do, we can feel the excitement of anticipation wash over us.
Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Easter is coming soon, and my hope is always that you take the time to reflect on what that means in your life. Through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection all our sins are paid, and we can walk in the newness of life. Jesus shook up the routine of the world giving us something to look towards.
What are you looking forward to?