When 2020 started, none of us had any idea this is what the year would become.
But here we are.
We’ve made it through January, February, and March.
Barely.
But we made it.

Maybe we need to pause for a moment to reflect and celebrate.

When choosing these words for 2020, I (obviously) chose them without knowing what each month was going to look like.
And here we are.
The word for March was trust.
And I think that was certainly fitting.
And the word for the month of April is abide. 

a·bide
/əˈbīd/

Here are two definitions for the word abide:

1. accept or act in accordance with (a rule, decision, or recommendation).

2. continue without fading or being lost.

The month of March felt like a decade, but March has brought us to April.

And April invites us to begin again. More than that, April invites us to abide. 

To continue without fading.

To me, the word abide is a word full of grace.
It is a gentle word, but a word of power and confidence.
It’s calm exterior hides great strength.

This word reminds me of my late grandmother.
She was filled with grace and love.
She was faithful and honest.
She was gentle and inviting.
And yet, there was something powerful and mighty about her.
Perhaps it was her confidence.
Perhaps it was her faith.
Perhaps it was her love.
My grandmother personified the word abide.
This word has been swirling in my mind the past two weeks, and it has led me to wonder …

How will I … 

Abide in love?
Abide in hope?
Abide in peace.?
Abide in trust?
Abide in rest?
Abide in grace?
Abide in truth? 

How will we abide?
How will you abide?  

May we not grow weary.
May we not become fearful.
May we not turn to hate.
May we not create division.
May we not give into temptation.
But may we abide.

What does it look like for you to abide in this season?

Perhaps it is a deep breath and an honest prayer.
Perhaps it is a phone call to an old friend or writing a love letter.
Perhaps it is turning off the TV and opening up a book.
Perhaps it is surrendering.
Perhaps it is celebrating.
Perhaps it is remaining.
Perhaps it is leaving a note on your neighbor’s door.
Perhaps it is pulling back the dirt and planting seeds beneath the earth.
Perhaps it is leaving the couch to go for a walk or a bike ride.
Perhaps it is clinging to what is certain when all feels uncertain.
Perhaps it is holding onto hope when all feels hopeless.

Let’s not allow this month to simply pass.
Let’s not simply rush this month away.
April will become May, but let’s allow April to have it’s time.
Let’s abide through the now and then.
And may we abide with hope and confidence.
And may we abide together. 

May we abide.

With hope,

Tanner Olson
Written to Speak

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