Dear Friends
I loved this year’s Rose Parade theme: “Turning the Corner”. In contrast to “Turning over a new leaf” (which makes me think of New Year’s resolutions and expecting quick results), turning the corner might be understood as an ongoing process of things getting better. Grand Marshall Gabby Giffords and Buffalo Bill’s safety Damar Hamlin remind us that turning the corner from a severe health crisis can take time, although Damar is off to a remarkable start according to initial reports.
It seems we are turning the corner in terms of the pandemic, although we need to remain vigilant. In general, we think of turning the corner as leaving some challenge behind to start a new life or return to a life we had lost or taken for granted.
But turning the corner can also bring us face to face with new challenges. When Rose Parade participants literally turn the corner from Orange Grove to Colorado Boulevard, they are just beginning the challenge of a five and a half mile, slightly uphill journey. Temperatures some years---very high or low---have increased the challenge.
Sometimes we choose to turn a corner, knowing there may be obstacles, but trusting the road will eventually lead to new life or accomplishment (or the finish line if you are running the Boston Marathon---think of “Heartbreak Hill”)!
It has been said that courage is fear saying its prayers. Whatever corners you have already turned, are turning, or will turn in the future, remember the words Joshua spoke after he took over for Moses: (1:9)
“Be strong and be courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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