The month of March elicits so many emotions. The dreary days of winter officially check out on the 20th to be met by a new season that hopes eternal. This month makes me think of some of the many idioms with the word march in them and a lesson or two we might derive from each expression:
March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. In much of the country, the beginning of March is often completely different from the end of the month. This reminds me to try not to get too concerned with my problems. The next day, week or month can bring very different conditions to our problems. Hang in there; a new season is coming. As the Bible says, “A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.”
March Madness. This is a term used by sports promoters and fans for college basketball. The Sweet 16 and Final Four might not appeal to all, but March Madness can provide a lesson for each of us. There’s great excitement across the nation as people study the brackets and select the teams they believe will go all the way. Then, only two teams are left to play for the championship.
Madness/excitement should not be reserved for a sporting activity or any other event that rolls around once each year. We should live with great excitement and anticipation each day, and rejoice knowing as Scripture tells us, “He (God) is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” Might this thought enable us to soar like champions in every aspect of life and in every day of the year?
Marches to the beat of a different drum. The first of the year is a good time to assess our priorities and decide if we want to make some changes. But the arrival of a new season is also a good time to reflect upon the changes we might hope to see implemented. So, as you do your spring cleaning, think about what personal things in your life need to be stored away or maybe given away so you can focus best on the time that is right before you.
If we keep doing what we’ve always been doing, at best we might keep getting the same results. Look around you. Who are the people you admire the most? In many cases, they might march to the beat of a different drum in that they don’t just follow the crowd and they’re not concerned with always going with the flow. Figure out how you might change a few things in your life to stand out a bit from the masses and do things that will really make a positive impact on those around you. The Bible notes, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Time marches on. As much as we might desire to freeze time and keep things the way they are, time continues its march forward. The word “march” means to move along steadily, to move in a direct purposeful manner, to make steady progress or to advance. I hope your time is moving forward in a way that is purposeful and effective. I hope your tomorrow might be even better than your today.
In Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, it says there is a right time to do certain things. There is a right time to cry and a right time to laugh; a right time to embrace and another right time to depart; a right time to hold on and another to let go. It’s not always easy figuring out when the right time is, but that’s where wise counsel, a good friend or a trusted confidante can come in. Every day, nearly 3,000 chaplains in the U.S. and around the globe are engaging with people on what they are experiencing “in this season of life.” We’re only a phone call, email or text message away. If you think we can assist you or a loved one, I hope you won’t hesitate to contact us.
March brings so much to look forward to for the rest of the year. May the rest of this month, as well as the rest of this season and year, be truly wonderful for you and yours as your hopes spring eternal and as you dream, plan and continue marching forward.
Brian Horner is the Gulf Coast Division director of Marketplace Chaplains USA, which is an organization that provides workplace chaplains to corporate America.
For more information, visit www.mchapusa.com or call (800) 775-7657.
