Counting Strength, Not Setbacks: Notes from a Fast-Moving Season

Those who’ve followed our blogs might have noticed that I like to structure my writing around a metaphor or theme. Sharing family updates alongside ministry activities and often difficult national or local news takes a degree of careful weaving to avoid being trite or insensitive. But themes of seasons, growth, patience often emerge when putting thoughts down in writing. It also gives an opportunity for discernment; seeing how the realities of life echo the truth of Scripture.

As I write, engineers are grappling to restore the main road between Lilongwe and Mzuzu. Efforts to upgrade the road have been going on for most of our time here. However, a section was washed away following prolonged heavy rains around Christmas and New Year. In the last few hours the temporary structure was also washed away. A perpetual struggle against a seemingly relentless force.

We count the ways we fall behind, but would do well to count the strength we gain from them:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4

The breaks between blogs, while often from busyness or procrastination, also represent times when events just move too quickly. The political racing around elections, the torrents of rains during natural disasters and, now, the hustle of concluding work and packing boxes.

Our modern culture can take some of the blame too. News and events flow over us at an unfathomable rate. Add to that opinions of algorithm-driven commentators (let’s not call them influencers) and it’s hard to get our head above water. So we just let it flow.

I’m (just) old enough to remember a media landscape where “social” might have meant a conversation about something read in the newspaper. Where news was tempered by the time it took to set type and for ink to dry. Not any more.

This short missive signals my hope to bring you more short updates in the coming weeks. I’m also wondering what Broughs In Malawi might become when Broughs aren’t in Malawi any more.