Great is Thy Faithfulness


 

As I walk to the east edge of my neighborhood, I love to see the water tower rising on the horizon. The sight of it brings to mind an alien ship arriving from space. (This is the result of too many bad science fiction movies made in the 1950’s and 1960’s.) But on this cold but sunny day, the view provided a perfect snapshot of the change in weather.
The empty parking lot is divided between the section in the sun and the section that remained in the shade. It is almost as if this photograph captures two seasons in one moment, Spring and Winter. Spring, with its puddles from a morning shower, and Winter with its ice and snow. As I look at the image, I can’t decide if it looks warm or cold, more Spring or more Winter.
Life can feel this way at times. We can feel to have one foot in the sunshine of blessing and the other in the mud of struggle. In one day we can find ourselves strong in faith and struggling with doubt. We can know the struggle of watching someone we love as they know that space that is at the same time in both this life and the next.
Our story does not unfold within neat and clear lines. Life does not work that way. But in all the changing seasons and transitions, we are not alone. The hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” says it so well.
“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 they faithfulness!
Great is they faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided,
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.”
Peace.

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