Uncertainty

Each day of our lives is filled with uncertainty. I think this is difficult for each of us to deal with when we are forced to stop and think about all the uncertainty that life contains. I believe that most people are thinking about the uncertainty of life today especially. Election day usually brings with it a measure of uncertainty. Sometimes this uncertainty looks a little like expectation, and sometimes it looks a little like fear. If we are honest with ourselves each of us probably feels a little expectation and a little fear today.

No matter who we are voting for in this election it is perfectly clear that we feel there is a lot riding on this election. We are worried about the economy. We are worried about brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers that are half a world away in a war that most of us do not understand anymore. We are worried about our education system and the changes that will be made during this administration. And most of us feel like the person we are voting for is the answer to all these worries, and continue to have hope for change and a better future for our children. I, like you, have all these hopes and fears.

Yesterday many of my friends and colleagues lost their jobs at the company that I work for. We all work for an educational publishing company and it is feeling the economic problems of our country like everyone else. They had to let go of about 30 of their finest people in order to cut costs and keep the balance sheet in order. I, luckily, still have a job for the time being. Uncertainty has permeated the morale at our company today and it is tough to continue being productive when the person sitting next to you is no longer here. There is definitely a grieving process on both sides.

However, in the midst of all this uncertainty and sadness I was reminded today that I am not in control, and for this I am thankful. You see whatever is going to happen today we can have hope and peace in the sovereignty of Our Creator. On the way to drop off the kids at school we always pass this pond that we like to walk around and have picnics at. I was waiting by the light at the corner and noticed that all the trees around the pond were changing colors. And they were the most beautiful browns, reds, yellows, and oranges. At that moment I realized that He is in control of that, and if he can turn all the leaves into beautiful colors at the same time of the year, and somehow keep our world spinning in orbit, surely He can take care of all our uncertainty and give us hope in the midst of all the real worries that we face each day.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)