Until Further Notice

Until Further Notice – until someone announces that a situation has changed or no longer exists

Macmillon Dictionary

The local library in my town as been undergoing construction. The construction started late this past fall, and initially the construction was only supposed to keep the library closed for a month. As I walked past the library multiple times throughout each week, I’ve noticed the re-opening date moving back further and further – January 2nd, January 9th, February 3rd, February 24th, March 16h, and April 6th. Last week, I noticed the sign changed one more time. It now reads “Closed Until Further Notice.”

This is the same type of creating that can be found on many businesses as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Until Further Notice implies uncertainty. For many, this sign indicates a hopelessness. And I get it. We all want things to return to “normal” – whatever that might be. We want to get on with our lives.

As I ponder this sign and its meaning, I am reminded of our need for hope, encouragement, and grace.

With this in mind, I’ll be using “Until Further Notice” as a reminder of the hope we can have in the midst of uncertainty. Look for more “Until Further Notice” posts in the days to come.

Prayer: In the midst of uncertainty, we ask for reminders of hope. Help us to be communicators of this hope to others.

Ponder & Discuss: What changed in your world as a result of COVID-19? What has this pandemic made possible for you? (Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)