It's Almost Over

What’s almost over, you may ask? Well, quite a few things actually. Summer for sure, but Fall was well underway until rudely interrupted by the first somewhat big snowfall on Sunday & Monday, so maybe Fall is over too? If true, then that means Winter is underway…ugh! It isn’t even Thanksgiving yet, but we know that 2025 is almost over.

Readers of my blog are now used to my references to the weather and the seasons, situations and occurrences over which we have little to zero control. The changes in both are sometimes predictable, however, this year proves the magnitude of the forecasted changes is what is unpredictable.

Life can be unpredictable as well. Changes occur due to a variety of reasons, with health concerns being one of the more vexing reasons since so many diseases and conditions seem to be unpredictable, yet must be dealt with when they appear. Other factors that change our lives relate to what occurs in other people's lives, our family members, our friends, our community.

For weather and seasonal changes, while not totally predictable, we still can ‘prepare’ to handle what comes. Preparing for Winter is easy….we get our snow shovels out, put gas in the snow blower, buy some bags of ice-melting salt, get our gloves, scarves, boots and heavy coats out… all in preparation to handle whatever may come.

Life changes are a bit different…and yet, we can prepare ourselves spiritually and emotionally to be able to handle whatever may come by trusting that God will be there with us. We may not be able to predict what life events or circumstances are ahead, but we need not fear the future. Seeing and feeling God’s constant presence is assurance enough that we will not be alone. 

 It is sometimes easy to ask “Why did God let a certain thing happen?” But for me, that is the wrong question, as I do not believe God manipulates the goings on of us humans or in this world. If God did, then surely, we wouldn’t have the wars, the diseases, the tragedies and/or calamities that we have to deal with throughout our lifetime. I believe God is as saddened as we are when bad things happen. What God has promised us is not the prevention of bad things from happening, but that we can count on God’s presence and support to help us cope with life when bad things do happen. That is enough for me.

Blessings to all…and may Fall continue just a little while longer.

Jim Hubbard