Susan Lafferty“Make every effort.” Peter repeats the phrase in his second letter. Several times.
And in the conclusion, he combines it with an unexpected word. Counter-intuitive.
“Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in His sight, at peace.” 2 Peter 3:14
Make every effort. While you wait.
Paying attention makes a difference.
I think about this while watering the brown, straggly plant in our front yard. The one that missed automatic sprinkler showers.
My failure to notice is part of the issue. Properly caring for plants is not my wheelhouse.
In the tropics, where I was raised? Plants grew green year round. Rain fell in abundance. And planting seeds for science projects yielded quick results. Green shoots before the week was out. Sometimes overnight.
This sad-looking specimen tells another story.
Stepping out into early morning air. First breath of dawn. Stillness.
Sky somewhere between dark and light.
Not even visible. Yet. But all creation anticipates the all-out glory of what’s coming.
Streetlights dim. Even the moon and stars fade. At the certain, steady rise of God’s sun.
Full light of day is coming.
