It is pollen season in New Jersey. Meaning that many of us are suffering. We are suffering with itchy eyes, runny noses, and we constantly needing to reassure those around us that it’s because the trees are attacking and not the Rona. I’m thankful that this is not my lot in life. The worst part about pollen season for me is that it turns my normally red car orange. And while I am always thankful when it rains hard enough to wash my car, I wouldn’t call a dirty car suffering.
While the pollen is annoying, we know it serves a purpose and heralds a better time to come. It means that we have survived another cold dark winter. The days are lasting longer and because of the pollen the world will go from dull grey to vibrant green. We just need to muddle through the hard times and be patient for the future glory that is to come.
In Romans 8 Paul puts it this way, “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
When we look at our day-to-day lives, it’s easy to feel bogged down in the mundaneness. Wake up, deal with kids, go to work, eat dinner, watch TV, go to bed, and repeat for the rest of your life. Every now and then though, we get to take a break from the routine. We are able to slow down, to relaxed. And in this relax state we can gain a little perspective. Day-to-day life can at times feel like we’re stuck in a rut, but we do it to secure a better future.
As Christians, it’s easy to have a “what have you done for me lately” attitude towards God. But if we can take a break and look forward to what is to come, we will be reminded that we should be waiting with hope and expectation for the glory that is to come. We have hope in a savior who is coming back to set the whole world free.
Pollen season can be painful, thankfully the growth and beauty to follow make it all worth it.