It has a reputation that is different from its meaning. Culture does that to many words. Black Friday is currently associated with a shopping frenzy that you either love or hate. But its root is in the idea that retailers historically operate "in the red" all year until this time of year, and then turn the financial corner out of "red" and "into the black." Many new businesses fail because they do not plan for the long dry season, the months and months of barely squeaking by, the Ramen Noodle and mac/cheese months. If they judge their success in May, they are liable to lock the door. By September, they're adding more water to the Ramen Noodles and calling it soup. But if they can hold on, if they keep doing what they know is right, if they keep fresh stock, keep the doors and windows and bathrooms clean, keep the ads going, keep greeting the customers with a sincere smile and good word, then Black Friday is coming.
There are parts of my life that seem to be constantly in the red. Certain relationships are not reciprocal, but always seems to be pouring out. I have a job that, on the books, doesn't carry its own, but is a constant pouring out of resources. Oh, there are many rewarding moments, for sure, but if your run numbers on it, it doesn't look profitable. Special Needs Ministry is about pouring out, about investing with little indication of return. But harvest time is coming. Black Friday is coming.
I'm grateful that I work for a church that invests in this with full knowledge that our season of being in the red is very, very long. But when our Black Friday comes, it will be Christmas for eternity!
