The Doldrums

In Websters: 1. a state of inactivity or stagnation, as in business or art: August is a time of doldrums for many enterprises.

So, this is kind of how I feel right now—not that good things aren't happening, but not a lot is going on! With summertime comes family reunions and the inevitable, "What have you been up to," question. I am guilty of asking the same thing. I found myself asking all of my cousins what they had been up to, and not only is it an annoying question, but I just realized that it ends in a preposition, which is not a good thing for an English major! : ) Like I said, grammar was never my strong suit! I reply with the usual "working, school, same old...". Usually, I get a similar response!

Oswald Chambers had this to say about the doldrums:

"The final stage in the life of faith is attainment of character. There are many passing transfigurations of character; when we pray we feel the blessing of God enwrapping us and for the time being we are changed, then we get back to the ordinary days and ways and the glory vanishes. The life of faith is not a life of mounting up with wings, but a life of walking and not fainting. It is not a question of sanctification; but of something infinitely further on than sanctification, of faith that has been tried and proved and has stood the test."

My Utmost for His Highest, March 19-The Way of Abraham in Faith

When I come to the realization that my life of faith depends on these times—the doldrums—I am content. We are called to be steadfast, whether in times of great joy, great sorrow, or the seemingly nothingness. This summer, even though nothing major seems to be happening, it is during this time and those like it that my faith has the chance to prove its endurance.