I am not a fan of cold weather.
Over the years people have told me that I should develop a winter interest in order to enjoy the winter season better. People have suggested taking up skiing or ice skating. I decided at a young age what winter activity suits me best?? that is taking a winter trip to Florida with my family.
As the years passed I added a second winter trip to Mexico with my wife. I must say I do enjoy these ‘winter? pursuits!
As the years have passed I have found myself better able to deal with Michigan winters. As I get older I have also noticed that time seems to speed up.
When I was a child I remember my parents talking about how fast time went. I remember thinking just the opposite since I was usually looking towards something in the future and time seemed to pass slowly.
Now that a lot of life’s milestones are behind me, at least the pleasant ones, I find myself thinking that time is passing at a breakneck speed. Interestingly enough I find the young people today telling me how it seems that time is flying by.
I attribute that to the fast paced lifestyle of today that is making time fly by.
For me time goes so fast whatever season it is, it seems that in only a moment it will be gone. This summer I was walking down my driveway and thought it seemed like only a week ago I was shoveling snow. The only thing we really need to get through winter is endurance, just a little while and it will be over.
It may seem like a simple analogy but I have taken note that endurance seems to have fallen in such disfavor.
It seems as if nobody wants to wait for anything anymore especially if there is discomfort associated with the wait. Endurance means not only must one commit themselves to the time necessary for the fulfillment of the desire but to also accept the fact that life is not always pleasant.
When we have endurance time will usually bring us something much better.
When it comes to the seasons of life another important component is doing the right things and making proper choices.
In 2003 the United States committed itself to war in Iraq. At the time it had the support of the majority of Americans and was given approval by vote by most of the politicians in office.
Now that the unpleasantness of the commitment is hitting us, people are screaming that it is time to get out. Whether we made the right decision or not, the important point to know now is how do we follow through on our commitment?
If we just leave the consequences could be very dire.
In a world so interconnected as ours we cannot just escape from our choices but we must commit to a plan of action that will lead to a long-term benefit and not simply just short-term relief. We do need leaders in this day that will lead us in a way that teaches us the character of success.
Our choices and plans must be built upon proper character or the end result will take us on an ever descending journey down the abyss of failure.
The Bible says we have need of endurance. The whole counsel of the Christian experience teaches us that the promise of something better will always come over time and making the right choices.
This national debate is systematic of pervading cultural attitudes.
We are becoming a nation looking for relief and pleasure rather than responsibility and accomplishments. We must remember what has made our nation great and recognize we need these same principles in order to remain great!
Loren Covarrubias is pastor of Mt. Zion Temple, 4900 Maybee Road, 248-391-6166.