"And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs..." (Titus 3:14)
It has been an interesting past two weeks for my family and I. As you likely know, our oldest daughter came home from college and unknowingly brought the coronavirus with her. Thankfully, she is on her way to recovery and no one else in the house got sick.
Our two weeks in quarantine brought about a large range of emotions for me personally. I was very concerned for my daughter. Yes, she is young and healthy, but with this disease you just never know. We have all heard stories of young and healthy people who did not fair so well.
That concern extended to the rest of my family as well as myself. What if another one of us started showing symptoms? How would we isolate two people in our house? What if we all got sick? Would we all weather it as well? As I am sure everyone knows, this kind of anxiety can be very taxing. Each day I felt like I had run a marathon, and I have run marathons. I know what they feel like.
Then there was the sense of isolation. Even though there were four of us in the same small house, we really kept our distance from one another - both to minimize the chances of spreading the virus AND because we were all still working and doing school. We all carved our own space to do what we needed to do. I do not know how our internet survived!
There was a deeper isolation, too. Even though for the past six months I have not been visiting members or going out in public like I used to, there were still interactions with others. There was an added distance when I was not even to leave my home.
Then, out of the blue, I would get a text from someone saying, "How are you doing? Was thinking of you? You are in my prayers." Or a card would come in the mail. Or an email. Or a phone call. Every time it would bring a smile to my face and give a lift to my spirits. Thank you!
Now here is my message for you for the week/year/lifetime:
We must never underestimate the power we have to make a difference in the life of another. We do not know how that smile to a stranger, or quick note to a friend, or prayer for another will impact their world. Recently I saw a tweet that said, "You may be the hope someone needs today." That is both a heavy responsibility and a great blessing.
The heart of my ministry has long been to share the love of God so that every person will know they are of value. I am thankful for everyone who has shared that same ministry with me, not just over the past two weeks, but my entire life. No matter how challenging times may be, may we never miss an opportunity to share God's love.
Worship This Week
Thursday, October 8, 6:30pm, North Room
Sunday, October 11, 10am, Sanctuary and on Facebook Live
(In-person worship, inside. Masks required and please act responsibly)
This Week: Rejoice!
Faith Formation:
"Living the Heart of Christianity"
Mondays, 7pm via Zoom
This Week's Topic: Bible
If you are interested, request the link
Keep In Prayer:
Don Long
Our shut-ins: Kate Shelley, Dot Ann Smith, Nora Smith, Helen Payne