Fragility in an Uncertain World

Our farmhouse in New England is 98 years old and always gives us unexpected surprises. I grumble often to my beloved husband that every spring the chimney swifts will arrive, and babies will be born in our old chimney. Last week we rescued 3 chimney swift babies that fell into the fireplace due to a rusty flue gap. I panicked since they are endangered and in the back of my mind, I don’t want to be accused of mishandling these baby birds! Nonetheless, I named them Albert, Audrey (after Audrey Hepburn), and Natalia. These birds were so tiny and fragile that I couldn’t understand how they could survive such trauma. It made me wonder; in today’s world how do we survive fragility in such an uncertain world?

We are Not in Control

As Christians and believers in God, we need not fret when the world around us is going bonkers! Trust in God’s plan for your life, remembering that he in control even when things all around you are falling apart. Trust that His plan for your life is always unfolding and we need not live in the past or in the future but in the present. Ask our Lord Jesus to comfort you when you feel like your plans have unraveled and what you thought he wanted for your life did not come to fruition. He is always in control, even when you don’t feel that He is. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that your feelings dictate God’s mercy and truth. He is in control, even when you don’t feel it.

Cultivate a Deep Spiritual Life

Regularly focus on your faith and introspectively ask yourself the tough questions. Is there someone you need to forgive, including yourself? Should you practice daily prayer, reading the bible or spiritual books more often? Do you have spiritual pride about how other Christians practice their faith? Build a strong foundation, focusing interiorly, and ask God for mercy and healing. A strong foundation in faith can provide you with comfort especially when you face adversity and challenging times.

Focus on Eternity

Time and time again I lose focus that we are not meant to be of the world. We are meant for eternal life! When you keep this thought front and center, it is a good reminder that it doesn’t matter how big our home is, what car we drive, or what we even do for a living! Our life here is temporary and our focus should be on eternal life.

Let Go of Fear

We are constantly bombarded by our society to live in fear. Remember the panic during the pandemic regarding shortages of toilet paper or even the obsession with wearing masks? We must never live in fear as Christians especially if we profess to trust Him with all things. Resist the temptation to be consumed by the fear the media and world cast upon the people of God.

Remember that as Christians, our faith is a source of strength, mercy, and hope. Even as the world is uncertain and things may be falling all around us, our trust in God and his promises delivered to His people can lead us to a peaceful life of hope.

As for the birds, we called the game warden and he picked them up and transported them to the local wildlife rescue. Hopefully they too will live a life of peace!

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and love and self-control.

~ St. Paul