The forced quiet of these days of "stay home; stay healthy" has not stopped the trees from blossoming. A lot of other things, however, have ground to a halt, and at least in the short term, life has changed. Like most people. I’d rather control the changes in my life than have them imposed. Some of those imposed changes are inconvenient; others are downright painful. There is little to like in losing what has been normal, whether it is work, school, church, entertainment, recreational shopping, the ability to celebrate at a wedding or mourn at a funeral, or even something as simple as buying a case of toilet paper whenever you want. And there is even less to like in hearing of people you love who are fighting this virus.
We’re adjusting to a quieter season. We’ve cancelled trips (yes, that’s plural) and started attending church in the living room. It’s not historically unusual for the church to be a generation behind the rest of society in embracing the possibilities of technology and harnessing them for the kingdom of God. (Joan’s uncle devoted a major part of his life to producing Christian media at a time when many Christians viewed movies as a tool of the devil.) I remember years ago in the early days of personal computers discussions with saints who were convinced such things could only be used for evil. Now we’re using those computers to accomplish virtually what we can’t accomplish physically.
Church at home is not necessarily a bad thing. I look forward to physical gatherings again, but I don’t agree with some of my friends who seem to believe that the current restrictions on meetings constitute persecution. We are not being persecuted. We are not being marginalized. We are being given an opportunity to be leaders in lovingly protecting our congregations and communities. And besides, my recliner is a whole lot more comfortable than the typical church pew!
I’m discovering some hidden blessings. I don’t mean to imply that COVID-19 is a blessing, but I never cease being amazed at God’s ability - and intention - to use that which we see as evil to further his kingdom. He is indeed a God who regularly fulfills Romans 8:28. I find that in these quieter days when I am less distracted by my own busyness, I am more keenly aware of the Lord’s presence and character. I’m encouraged by the grace with which so many people have embraced these necessary restrictions without a whole lot of complaining. And I’m blessed by people who are intentionally choosing to be caring.
This too shall pass. But I hope that the blessings discovered along the way won’t.
