As a country, it seems like we never get out of campaign-mode these days, especially for D.C. dwellers. Between election dates it’s just a mad scramble to make or block policies always with an eye on the next campaign that will finally put the right people or person in charge - then we can relax - THEN everything will be fixed - then things will be great!
Even in our own lives, there’s always just one more thing keeping us from being our “best selves.” One more promotion. A raise. A better apartment. 10 less pounds. A dog. A spouse. Kids!
With all our focus on a future time when all will be right, the people and needs of the world around us are easy to brush-off in the face of “not yet!” “Not now!” When I have things more together - when I have time or cash!” And we think, “I’ll get to that as soon as I’m in a better place.”
But as Jerry explains at this month’s Navigators 20s/30s brunch, Jeremiah 29 reminds us we “can’t wait for our real lives to begin.” And doing so, placing all our hopes on that one more thing or person to fix us, risks the sin of idolatry.
Even in the midst of disappointment, daily frustrations, half-baked careers, and the burden of our cosmic incompleteness - this uncomfortable exile from the real lives we’re supposed to be living - we’re called to grow gardens, build homes, and create a future. Not based on our desires, but in the rich soil and rocks of the everyday where God has planted us.
