Life on the Pasture

I’ve been walking back and forth between my home and my office at church the past few days, thoroughly enjoying the warmer weather we’ve been experiencing. For us in Wisconsin, each season has its own beauty. Spring brings with it the hope of new life as grass, trees, flowers, and shrubs begin to green and bloom. Summer brings warm temperatures that make outside activities such as paddling, picnics, and even yardwork enjoyable. Fall shows the handiwork of the Creator in designing beauty even in falling leaves as spectacular colors are painted in the trees. And the fresh snow that blankets the earth during its winter rest encourages us to enjoy time inside our homes, receiving with thanks the daily bread provided by a gracious God.

But at least for me, the period of transition between the seasons can test my patience. Springtime that’s not ready to give up frost and snow flurries, summer with its waning daylight, fall after the color has given way to a sort of lifeless brown, and winter that keeps bringing snow that covers ball diamonds… that I could do without. 

Yet God’s design in having the seasons go through that period of transition mirrors our life as we go through our different seasons -- not simply the different periods we have that are marked by our age, but also by school and work, relationships, and interests, and yes, even COVID-19.

Currently, I am trying to navigate my way through the transition from not being able to gather for public worship to a time of once again gathering. This past Sunday as we met together for the first time since March 15, I had a glimpse of the next season coming when we can again worship as we are used to. But like a season that is not ready to give way to the next, reminders of the need to continue social distancing, fear of another wave, and the inability of many to leave their home environments because of compromised health issues and fear of contracting or passing along the virus are still here. How I wish we could just move along.

At the end of the flood account in Genesis, we read, “[God said:] ‘For as long as Earth lasts, planting and harvest, cold and heat, Summer and winter, day and night will never stop.’ God blessed Noah and his sons.’ (Genesis 8:22–9:1a, The Message) Perhaps we can apply those words this way. The Lord of Creation not only controls the seasons, but also blesses His people during those seasons, including the times of transition. As Jesus says, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b, NLT) 

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

– Pastor Schmidt