April Devo - Adversity Reveals Character

Six years ago, our April Buzz devotional focused on the COVID-19 pandemic. It seems so long ago now but the fear back then was very real and very memorable. We saw some errant responses to adversity (e.g. political missteps, cover-ups, hoarders, looters, scammers), but we also saw brave people step forward to help the most vulnerable. Buchanan Lodge was fortunate to have folks like that here.

We were able to continue visits through garden gates, windows, and using technology like WhatsApp and Zoom. Our care staff were so diligent and thorough that we escaped the worst of the pandemic with no outbreaks. It was a joy to see the selflessness, the sacrifice, and the genuine love that was on full display throughout that tumultuous time. James Lane Allen was right: “adversity does not build character; it reveals it!”

Einstein added this insight: “adversity introduces a man to himself.” Sometimes, adversity can introduce us to some folks who are downright inspirational. You just have to look deeper to find them. They are often hidden in the middle pages of our newspapers or squeezed into the final minutes of the nightly newscasts, but they are worth the wait. Here are some examples I noticed during those defining years:

• Front line health care workers risking their own health, working double shifts, and distancing themselves from their own families to protect others
• Retired doctors & nurses returning to work, putting themselves in harm’s way
• People honouring their sacrifice with signs in windows, chalked messages on their driveways, and the “joyful noise” of pots and pans at 7 pm every night
• Folks in hospital parking lots singing, cheering & honking their horns in support
• Neighbours, churches, community groups shopping and making meals for seniors and others who couldn’t get out of their homes
• Gas station diners offering free self-serve dinners for truckers hauling needed supplies across our country
• Politicians crossing party lines to come up with solutions
• Resourceful manufacturers modifying their equipment to make medical supplies and equipment
• Ordinary people giving generously of their money, time and talents to help others

Jesus led by example in how to walk sacrificially through extreme hardship and then emerge victorious. We can do the same if we follow Him. He once said to His disciples and to us: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! (John 16:33). Concluding this season of self-sacrifice (known as Lent) by celebrating Good Friday and Easter is a reminder to all of us where good character comes from. Have a blessed Easter everyone!