ROOTS OF OUR FAITH

When we celebrated the New Year at midnight on January 1, 2020 I believe there was excitement in the air!  The joy of ringing in a New Year and a whole new decade.  Another chance for new beginnings, endless opportunities and changes in ourselves if we were motivated.

I don’t believe any of us envisioned that in a little over 2 months later, our world as we knew it, would suddenly come to a screeching halt.  Little did we know how drastically our lives would change for each of us individually, our families, our country and even the whole world!

 

 

When you think of different “tragedies” that happen in our lives, it seems like usually it is a tragedy more unique to just you or your family so others might not be able to “understand” what you are going through.  That can be both good and bad.  Good in the sense that since they are not going through a rough time maybe others can buoy you up and be a source of encouragement.  Bad in the sense that maybe no one truly understands what you are walking through so maybe there is no support in your life.

With this COVID-19 pandemic that the WHOLE world is experiencing we are all in the same boat which seems pretty strange; something most of us have never experienced before.  We are in the same boat though our experiences throughout this ordeal are all different depending on our socioeconomic status, age and living conditions.

 

 

We’re all familiar with the list of “shut downs” that goes on and on…

First was…

…Sporting events

…Concerts

…Colleges

…Primary Schools

…Libraries

…Gyms

…Clothing stores

…Hair salons, barbershops

…Nail places

 

When this first batch of closings came, the thought that some of our “idols” were being taken away from us came to my mind. 

An “idol” being something that takes us a little further from that place of God in our lives. 

I thought about how the idol of busy-ness usually takes control of our lives; that continual running every moment of every day, especially if you have children, was suddenly coming to a screeching halt.

 

Maybe it is a good lesson for us all to experience;

To simplify our lives…

To spend time with our immediate families…

To enjoy nature…

 

 

 

We don’t need to always be “doing” something, even ministry, to be fulfulling God’s purpose for our daily lives. 

Just BEING, dwelling with Him moment by moment; sharing every thought with Him.

Maybe God is using this time to get our attention….to think about how we are really using our time and energy.  Are we spending those things on ways to further His kingdom on earth or more on the temporal idols of this world?

 

 

Then the “shut downs” of….

…Sit down restaurants

…Elective surgeries

…Physical Therapy places

…Churches

…Soup kitchens

…Non essentials working remotely

 

It seems a little more scary having these services taken away from our lives….Thinking of people not being able to have surgeries/procedures, those needing food not being able to get it, going hungry, more people out of work not having money to pay for their housing, people not being “fed” by a church community especially if they do not have access to a computer.  Families are not able to come together for funerals of loved ones, not being able to rejoice in showers or even weddings that are supposed to be happening.

 

    

 

Yes, we are being physically distanced from others but the SOCIAL distancing should be increasing to help us all get through this time!  Let us try to implement ways we can be “social” with others while being physically distanced.

 

We need to be creative in reaching out, now more than ever, to the destitute, the lonely, the sick.  It seems that this is made even harder with trying to maintain limited exposure to stores and the physical distancing that is to be reinforced.

Trying to find ways to connect with an actual phone call to someone living alone or sending a card to someone to let them know you are thinking of them should be priorities right now.  I think it is important for people to connect more directly with actually talking with someone versus just a text or email.  For those that we can’t contact directly, a text or email is perfect!  Keeping a prayer list, praying anytime throughout the day and letting people know you are praying for them are great suggestions to do anytime.

 

 

I, personally, am still adjusting to all of these changes; working from home for a few weeks now, not having any nightly obligations, less shopping seems like I should have all this extra time but I have not found it yet.

I do know that my time with the Lord has been more which is always a good thing!  Trying to make sure I daily exercise, go for a walk outside weather permitting, going to a chapel for some personal prayer time, watching several church services on line, and writing weekly take most of my time these days.  Taking time to have social interaction with others through a phone call, sending a card to someone, helping stock the food pantries, writing an extra email to someone are also priorities especially nowadays!

Technology has been such a blessing these days since we who use it have so much access to free programs, even concerts by various musicians who are also home bound for the time being.

Especially with the many programs during this Holy Week, I have been spiritually fed and nourished which has been a huge blessing.  It is still so hard not being physically communed with my church congregation.

Truth be told, my house is still in the same condition as it was before this.  Thus far, I have not made time to clean and sort through things but maybe eventually I will get there.

 

May these thoughts this week encourage you to return to your roots….

….the roots of your faith with Jesus being the center,

….the one and only idol in your life,

….and being Jesus’ hands and feet in the ways we are able to at this time of physical distancing.

 

The two things I long for most are being back at the physical church building with the church community and holding those NICU babies.  In the meantime, I’m trusting the Lord, while enjoying the memories of those things to help get me through this time of physical distancing.  That, along with the hope that someday soon we will be able to return to doing some of those things we used to. No matter what, I know God is in control and I am trying to make it a positive time!

 

I would love to hear of any ways you have been able to keep social distancing going while being physically distanced.  Maybe your suggestions will help someone else come up with a new way to be Christ to another.  Thank you in advance for sharing~

 

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.  –1 John 5:21  (NLT)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.  –Ephesians 5:1-2  (NLT)

Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.  –Colossians 2:7  (GNT)