To Be Continued...

     Growing up, when I was watching TV shows such as Full House or Darkwing Duck, there was one way I hated seeing an episode end: on a cliffhanger note with the words "to be continued..." on the screen. Instead of finishing with everything resolved or ending with a witty one-liner, the episode ends unresolved and on an ominous note. Although "to be continued" provides reassurance that the story arc itself is not over, it still signaled that the singular episode was. Even if I knew that everything would get resolved, I would still be unsure if everything would truly be okay or if this would be a turning point in the show -- or even the end to the show. Rest assured, there would be a "Part 2" for that "to be continued" episode where the conflict does get resolved and all is well again (granted, some shows have ended with a cliffhanger). 

    In some ways, it has felt like we have been living in a "to be continued" episode. For the past few months, we've been in a pandemic and while there has been progress made toward a vaccine and steps taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, there's not a definitive end in sight. Right now, there still are more questions than answers in regards to COVID-19. This creates a lingering feeling of uncertainty, the same type of uncertainty that comes with "to be continued". Only this time, this isn't the end of a Darkwing Duck episode: this is real life. "To be continued" is still unfolding.

    One of the main things I would say to myself at an episode ending with "to be continued" is that the episode and/or show just can't end that way. It can't end on a cliffhanger or with the villain winning. There has to be a part 2 or more to the story. I've found myself saying the same things when watching a movie for the first time -- there just has to be more to the story. It can't end with the protagonist resigned or defeated. Likewise, I've found myself feeling that same concern with COVID-19: there just has to be a cure or way through this pandemic. It just doesn't feel right for life to be filled with people losing loved ones, jobs, and living in isolation from one another. There just has to be more...right? Right?

    If we run with the mindset that "to be continued" is our conclusion, we will remain disappointed and anxious. We'll also miss out on seeing how things finish. While this isn't a promise that things will finish or unfold the way we want them to (life rarely works out that way), it's a hopeful and optimistic alternative. I know 2020 is putting that to the test with the headlines each passing day brings. 

    We have a way of seeing the present so clearly and thinking that the present has always been this way or always will be this way. This can be especially true when we're going through a tough time or looking forward to something. When I was in high school, graduation felt like it would never come -- and I even felt that way during my senior year! However, when I look back on high school, I'm amazed by how fast those years went by. It's hard to believe high school was over 7 years ago. After graduating from Baylor, the job search last for about a month, but seemed to take forever in the moment. Each day goes by slowly when your primary activities are watching Boy Meets World and eagerly waiting to hear back from potential employer. It's easy to forget that the present doesn't last forever, even when it seems like it does. 

 

    When I think about this past Easter, it hit me that while we know that Holy Week ends with Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Christ, the disciples didn't know that in the moments leading up to Christ's death on the Cross. All they knew was that the Savior of the world was fallen. I can't even imagine how dark those days between Christ's death and the resurrection were. They truly were the darkest of days, days that must have felt agonizingly slow. But the good news is that those days did not last - Christ is Risen! And it is because He lives that we can face each day. 

    I'll be the first to admit this: all of this is much easier said than done. Even when I know that God is in control or that this all will pass, I still find myself wondering if we will forever live in a world dictated by COVID-19. I've been nervous that "part 2" or even "part 3" may be worse than what we've been lamenting. Having or expressing concerns is natural and healthy. The part that we have to keep in check is not letting those concerns derail us into feelings of hopelessness and depression. Now more than ever, I'm seeing how dependent I am upon God and His grace each day. 

    As we navigate through these difficult times, we can walk in the calm assurance knowing that Christ is Risen and God is victorious. While I know that may not help the struggles we're facing or change our circumstances, it can change our perspective and provide us with hope. I have no idea what the rest of 2020 and beyond will look like, but I do know that God is in control and we are safe and secure in His hands. And that's a "to be continued" that I can live with.