Faces on Faith: Springing forward
I’m not prone to complaints, but I must admit that when it comes to the “Spring Forward” time change, I’m not a fan. As with most matters that involve change, I’m not an enthusiast on this one. And it’s not just that I lose an extra hour of sleep before having to get up and gear up for another Sunday; it’s as much my embarrassment over those who didn’t get the word (or who got it and forgot it) showing up to participate in a sacred hour that we just wrapped up. Believe me, there’s no good way to ease their embarrassment. It is always one of the most awkward exchanges I have with people each year.
But my vote on the matter doesn’t count. That decision has already been made by those responsible for managing the time. So, I have concluded that I must go with the flow and make the best out of a reality with which I’m not very happy, which when you think about it, is a lot of what life entails.
So, here’s where I’m choosing to focus in the coming days: I plan to do all I can to make this “springing forward” business a way of life and faith. I plan to take seriously the images it evokes of anticipation and expectation; and of seizing every opportunity that comes my way. I plan to lean into the possibilities before me and dare to believe that the best is yet to come, which is a lot of what faith entails.
Unfortunately, there’s no clock I can set to ensure I meet those lofty expectations. But what I can do is set my heart on following God in just that fashion so that when God calls, I will be ready to respond. And that, too, is a part of our faith journey in this season of the year; as both Jews and Christians, we point toward the holy days of Passover and Easter, respectively.
I invite you to let that same hope run through your soul when you set your clock ahead this Saturday night. Then you can gear up for the days to come and the joy that will result from “springing forward” in your faith, which is so much better than staying stuck with where you are.
The Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch is the pastor at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea.