Do you believe you have had years of your life that were the same?

I do not think any two years of my life have been exactly alike.

For example, we have had a bird feeder on our front yard for six years. So, one might reason that has been a constant for all these years. On one level, that would be correct.

However, delving into greater detail — the type, number, and arrival of birds have differed.

The year it snowed heavily, we had large groups of same species visit the spot. We put out additional food at that point and it attracted all sorts of feathered friends.

We had large groups of crows, red-wing blackbirds, house finches, goldfinches, juncos, and ring-necked doves. The harsh weather resulted in them banding together in ways that I had not seen before. There was also a single red bird with an odd-looking beak that showed up.

Thus far this year, we have had few birds visit the feeder. I learned that every year at the feeder has been different.

I have also maintained a flower garden for the same period of time. So, one might reason that has been a constant for all these years. On one level, that would be correct.

However, delving into greater detail — the type, number, and time of flowering, the plants have been different. Some feel self-seeded, like cosmos. I never know just exactly where they will show up. I’ve moved certain plants from one place to the next. We had some volunteer spaghetti squash in one of the flower beds this year.

I learned that every year, the garden has been different.

I am praying that the year 2020 will be unlike any other year we will experience. Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been a real challenge for our society. We don’t need 2021 to be a repeat.

I believe it is now time to especially heed the words of Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”

If you are a prayerful person, I would ask you to pray for a successful vaccine for COVID-19. Even though there is talk of possible vaccines at the end of this year, it may be more realistic for 2021.

Questions remain — will it be safe, and will enough people take the vaccine for it to make a difference? Herd immunity may require a significant percentage of the population to receive the vaccine. I’ve learned that every year can be different. Pray that 2021 will be different in a positive way. I have had enough of bad news.

Why not start now? Please pray and keep praying for an effective vaccine (or vaccines) and people willing enough to receive it.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.