The Pandemic: pstrmike
I just finished writing a draft that I will post on our church’s website letting everyone know of our decision to cancel services for the next four weeks. These are uncertain times and this pandemic and drastic responses have this feeling of a death. The shalom that I am accustomed to is fading.
This feeling of dread reminded me of a few weeks ago while driving in the morning through a river canyon. It was dreary morning, everything grey, and I couldn’t help but have a heavy heart thinking of my friend who I had visited. We’ve been friends for over 50 years, and he told me the night before he has stage four cancer. We can only hope and pray. I wondered how many mornings he has left to make that drive and watch the river flow. I thought of how the river will keep on flowing after he gone, after I am gone. Nature speaks of the permanence, power and sovereignty of God. We are both thankful to God, but there seems something so tragic about not experiencing God’s glory in His creation. How many times do we miss out because we do not still our hearts to listen?
Last weekend we had an unusually heavy snowfall. Unusual weather always feels apocalyptic to me, and even more so amid this pandemic. But today, it warmed up, and the snow is melting fast. It was as if God is declaring that this pandemic too will pass. It’s a wonderful sign to me personally as I am already getting cabin fever. Maybe we should spend more time watching the snow melt, the river flow, the sun rise or set, and remember His goodness, permanence, sovereignty and love over all things. And hope for a resurrection……
Blessings to you all during this difficult season.
We have about 800 people on site. We were sent home yesterday, but we were told today that a co worker was diagnosed. Deep cleaning going on… We are set to return April 7th.
This is very encouraging. Thank you.
I’m going to try so spend less time on the news and more time watching squirrels run for their lives from my dog. 😊 And the sun set. And nature coming to life again.
JoelG..wise brother, wise. It’s been gorgeous weather outside here. I’ve been playing ball with the dogs and enjoying the fresh air. Blessings.
Beautifully said Pstr Mike… Amen…. I personally, feel like this time is a Holy Sabbath to the Lord…
I’m thankful this is all happening in the Spring as a reminder that this will pass, as Pastor Mike wrote above.
I’m glad your out getting fresh air, Cash. It helps to get out and appreciate the simple blessings we forget about sometimes.
Not to get all super spiritual, but I’m counting on Jesus’ promise about the birds and flowers of the field in Matthew 6.
God be with you and ALL here.
Thanks everyone. As I told my church, let’s redeem the time, even in the midst of the uncertainty and sense of anxiety.
I spoke with my friend today who is optimistic about his treatment plan. Will continue to hope and pray.
Paige,
Definitely a Holy Sabbath and interesting that it coincides with Lent which is a time of reflection, repentance and preparation for Easter. It is a time where our sacrifice of praise can come from a deeper place within our soul, something that I know you understand all too well.
TNV, deep cleaning indeed.
Thanks JoelG. I have Forest Service land on three sides of where I live and there is an abundance of wildlife.
Cash,
Being with my dog has always been one of my favorite things to do.