Well, I guess wisdom comes with age.
I have made a resolution to not be cold this winter. I know – it’s a small resolution and easy to accomplish; but for years, I didn’t pay attention.
I don’t think I was alone. When you go outside here in Southern Indiana in January, no matter how frigid the temperatures, you will spot people wearing shorts and shoes without socks; light jackets; T-shirts.
I’ve decided this is the year to take the time to dress for the weather. That might mean wearing a hat, gloves and a buttoned-up coat. Maybe layering. Who knows?
It’s such a simple thing, but I think it’s going to make all the difference on these cold winter days.
I think it’s going to be good for my aging body.
And what might be good for my aging soul? The words found in Ephesians 6.
St. Paul suggests “putting on the armor of God.”
“So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace, in all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one, and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).
It’s good advice for any season of life.
Sometimes, life is scary. People are difficult; and sometimes, they don’t have your best interest in their hearts. Sometimes we stumble and fall from the weight of it all.
I’ve learned over the years that I’m not in charge, and that I need a lot of help. I need Divine help.
That’s what the armor of God does. It protects us. It helps us when we are lost at sea.
I remember years ago when a very good friend was in a very bad place at work. The situation went from bad to worse. There seemed to be no recourse or change on the horizon. I felt so helpless. That’s when I began praying the armor of God over this dear person. I began praying for Divine protection.
Slowly, very slowly, it seemed that the huge ship was turning around as the animosity began to dissipate. As the situation began to adjust itself, there weren’t rainbows or unicorns; but the storm passed.
I think the concept of the armor of God is a reassuring one. When we pray God’s pure protection over us, when we acknowledge that we aren’t in charge, life is better.
It’s like admitting that coats, gloves and hats protect us from the elements in January.
God’s divine protection is always available to us. We just have to ask for it.