“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.”

I started my day with those words from Paul, a reminder that those who follow Jesus die, too.

Some days have more reminders than others.

I often write in the evening, but some days are longer than others, some shifts more challenging, some evenings are later.

Tonight is one of those nights.

People are dying at a somewhat higher number than usual for our place. Trauma season has arrived and COVID season has been extended. Which means that more families than usual will be missing loved ones.

And it’s easy for me to get frustrated when some of the death could be delayed by simple actions.

I think that some people don’t want to take those actions because it would mean that someone else would be right. For example, if I pet a cat and smile, then I have to give up all my attitude about disliking cats. I might be classed as a cat lover.

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I’ve got to quit writing for tonight. I’ll get preachy and judgmental, and then you may get defensive, and then I’ll get frustrated.

You can politely pet a cat without being a cat fanatic. You can politely wear a mask without being a sheep. You can love those who despise you. You can expect that following Jesus will lead to challenges.

And you can expect that Timothy or someone may offer you encouragement in your faith.

I’m going to take a nap before I go to bed. Maybe a cat-nap.