March!

Of all the months of the year, March is probably my least favorite. One day it feels like a warm spring afternoon. Birds are singing and you can sense the grip of winter loosening. Everyone is out of their houses and even the grumpy ones are smiling. It’s a beautiful day.

Then, almost in a moment, the winds begin to blow, the rain pours down, and snow can blanket the ground. Winter once again wraps its icy fingers around all of nature. Just when you thought it was safe to go outside, you find yourself digging your hat, gloves, and winter coat back out of the closet to brave the elements.

It’s enough to drive you mad.

Change is like that.

Our entire lives are spent in the throes of change. From the moment of conception to the moment of death, change is inevitable. A friend once told me, “If we stop changing, we’re dead.”

So how do we brace ourselves and survive the winds of change?

It can only be by being anchored to something that does not change.

As I write this post, we are preparing for another blast of winter in the middle of March. High winds, dropping temperatures, and possible snow are in the forecast. Just a week ago it was in the mid-70s with clear blue skies. We were thinking summer must be just around the corner.

And then… March reminded us otherwise.

On a personal note, I am navigating one of the biggest changes in life—retirement from one occupation, beginning another, and moving to be closer to family. When I look at the emotional, physical, and financial upheaval, it truly feels, as they say, like it’s raining cats and dogs.

My guess is that nearly everyone reading this is either in the middle of some kind of change or just coming through one. It may look different from mine, but change comes for us all.

So how do we survive the “Marches” in our lives?

Two great truths from Scripture reveal the blueprint for a storm-proof house.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

— Matthew 7:24–25

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

— Hebrews 13:8

Studies have shown that resilient children who endure abuse or hardship almost always had a significant adult in their lives. It may have been a teacher, pastor, aunt, uncle, or social worker—but they had someone who served as an anchor in the chaos and trauma of their world.

So when “March” comes to our lives, I pray that you are anchored to the Rock.

I pray that the house of your life is firmly built on the unchanging foundation of Christ.

Blessings,

Jarvis… “from soil to soul…”