Sudden Change

In the past 24 hours we have gone from having three inches of snow to my wife mowing the yard.  Only in northeastern Ohio! Right?

Life can change on a dime.  This sudden transformation reminded me to not take this COVID-19 quarantine for granted.  For sure, nothing’s the same as before. Who would have guessed that 2020 would require all of  us to navigate these difficult waters? Everyday is a faith adventure.

I’m determined not to squander this uncertain time in my life.  Am I completely comfortable with what’s happening? Of course not!  And I’m sure I speak for you as well. But one thing I know: God is asking me to inventory my life.  Let me explain.

1. What have I previously taken for granted?   Lori and I are watching the Netflix series, “When Calls the Heart.”  Frankly, I find it a bit unrealistic at times, but the fact remains that love between husbands and wives and people in general is life’s greatest treasure.  Each episode moves me to an emotional edge. I recommend it for your “virus viewing!”

While watching, I occasionally sneak a glance at my wife of almost 43 years, and my heart is gladdened by her presence in my life.  After the Lord, she is the one constant in my life, who loves me unconditionally and completely. I never want to take her for granted!  What loved one(s) do you need to reaffirm today?

2. Perhaps like you, I have issues in my life that need to be placed under the Lordship of Christ. Not necessarily sin issues, but things that, if confronted and subdued, will enhance my daily living.  For example, I need to watch my food intake. The refrigerator beckons me to open and see! Also, what important tasks have I put off for a better day? In what areas have I procrastinated? Finally, am I “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5)?  How? By minding my mind! Making sure that unhealthy, negative, impure, and unnecessary thoughts do not crowd out those things that are “true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and of good repute…” (Philippians 4:8).    

3. During the long hours of quarantine, am I praying more, reading the Scriptures more fervently and waiting for the Lord’s “still small voice” to speak to me?  He promises me “an audience of one!”

4. Am I using this time to speak into the lives of those I love, without becoming annoying?  Understanding the need to maintain personal space, I text, email, write cards, make calls, and send Facebook and YouTube inspirational messages. Let me encourage you to find communication expressions that work for you, and then make someone’s day!

None of us knows what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.  And as life continues to usher in unexpected, at times, harsh changes, we hold to the Lord’s unchanging hand.  He will walk us safely to the other side of uncertainty!

  

Missing My Church Family

Now that we’ve been quarantined from church, unable to attend services, I feel a deeper love for Hope Community.  How I miss gathering with those 50-plus families I hold dear. I miss the “togetherness,” the praise and worship, the preached Word and the family atmosphere.  The energy and anticipation of corporate worship has enhanced my life beyond description. And I’m past ready to return!

What am I thinking about during this time?

1. I need my church family.  None of us were created to do life alone.  I need their funny stories, their prayers, even news of their struggles.  Their hugs, handshakes and smiles make life rewarding. I feel sad for those who build cases against any local church.  They don’t realize what they’re missing!  

2. I now realize that what I thought was so important is so trivial in the overall scheme of corporate worship.  Who cares what people wear?  What difference does it make which songs we choose?  So, what if the mics are not set right or the sound system is too loud for my taste.  What about less than good sermons? Nobody knocks it out of the park all the time! It’s not about me!  Why allow individual idiosyncrasies to bother me? I bring my own to the mix. Critical, unkind and unnecessary comments need not disturb me.  I have no brain space for such tomfoolery. That’s not why I go in the first place!

3. I miss being able to serve and encourage others.  We at Hope Community emphasize servant leadership over titles and positions.  We don’t own the church, we serve it with the gifts God has placed inside us. 

4. I’m using this time to text, email, write cards, send letters, use Facebook Live, You Tube or make calls to individuals as the Lord directs me.  Prayer is a wonderful tool God has given me to bless others and to invite “the kingdom of God to come to earth.”

5. I’m counting down the days to when I’m able to look into the faces of the crowd and grin from ear to ear.  I’m going to smile big, hug a lot, laugh loudly, even cry when the “family” is finally able to gather together again.  I can’t wait for “offering time”!

Hopefully, my perspective will have changed.  I will appreciate the essentials and vow to minimize the non-essentials, or personal preferences.  Just being together again will be enough.

Hope Community, I’m not sure when our doors will re-open for corporate worship, but this I know: I need -- no, I long for -- the love and support my church family provides for both now and eternity.  

In the meantime, keep the faith!  Love you all.