Whether we want to admit it or not we use a lot of things to mark the passing of time. There are the usual things like the changing seasons, birthdays, anniversaries, and the major holidays. Then there are schedule based things like school calendars. But in between all of that are a lot of things that probably shouldn’t make the list.

Right now some of us have noted that the Superbowl is over and we are looking forward to March Madness. Then we will have the opening day of Major League Baseball followed by the basketball and hockey playoffs. (If you are a Lion’s fan you have to put the NFL Draft in there too.) After a summer of baseball and soccer it will be time for the NFL season to start followed by the World Series and the cycle can start all over again.

There are some other more important things going on right now though too. It’s Black History Month and despite having recently electing our first black President we still need to learn more about our African-American countrymen. It is also Valentine’s Day and although that doesn’t mean much we should be working to improve our relationships.

This time of the year also marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It is time to start preparing for the Easter celebration. It should be a time of spiritual reflection and a focus on the work of Christ on the cross. At ZUB we celebrate Missions during February and Missions is all about telling the world about Jesus and the cross.

So as you mark the passage of time don’t forget the more important things. Let’s especially keep our eyes focused on Jesus.

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