How Long, Lord?

Seniors in their 90s like my Dad are discovering iPads and FaceTime can bring loved ones closer, even when they are feeling isolated.  Seeing a smile or hearing laughter brightens the long day.  Technology enables connection. 

Those with immunity concerns are also feeling cut off from casual interactions with friends.  The realization that there is no end in sight to this COVID-19 pandemic makes the loneliness all the harder to bear.  How do we engage in abundant living while protecting our health?  How do we fellowship?  Are outdoor, masked, socially distanced gatherings a possibility?

Yes, survival requires adapting, letting go of accustomed routines, and embracing new practices like virtual interactions, outdoor meetings/activities, social distancing, and wearing masks.  

Who could have imagined working remotely for months, online silver sneakers workouts, virtual art and cooking classes, and web conferencing to discuss church matters?  We have been forced to rethink, to cope, to set up life differently, to distance to avoid possible contagion.   Life online is possible for many, but is ultimately less satisfying long-term.

A few suggestions for now:

Spiritual Formation:  Join a Crestview Bible Study or Summer Parables Group.  See the Crestview Website to connect online.

Worship:  Play the music you love, that promotes worship.  God is near.  Try listening now: 

In Christ Alone.

Fellowship:  Call someone in your life, that needs a word of encouragement or comfort.  Send a card.

Love One Another:  Give whatever you are longing for, to someone else.  A delightful surprise lifts the spirit. 

Create:  Like our Creator God, make something good to share:  a meal, a picture, music...

Changing: Like Christ

2020 is a good year to practice “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Rom. 12:12 Our Bible study group chose this verse to guide us through our family members’ complicated, prolonged illnesses and hospitalizations as the year began. Then the coronavirus arrived on our shores, bringing closings, cancellations, fear, and great distress. This has resulted in postponed primaries, closed restaurants and gyms, K-12 school closings, online only university classes and college students sent home without the prospect of graduation, major sporting and cultural events delayed or not held. Adapting to current realities is necessary. Dependence upon God keeps us steadfast as we experience trouble in this world. Sometimes we are called upon to sacrifice our
lifestyle of freedom on behalf of our weaker brothers and sisters. We are learning to practice Phil. 2:4
"Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others."

Preventing the healthcare system from being overwhelmed and decreasing covid-19’s spread became top priorities among government and global public health leaders. Twenty-first century technology and healthcare systems have been strained by the threat of contagious diseases like the current pandemic. History reminds us that others suffered during the 1918 Spanish flu and the 1300's bubonic plague. There is nothing new under the sun, as we read in Ecclesiastes.

Lent is a season to set our minds on God, give thanks, and pray. We have a choice to stop the downward spiral of our toxic thinking and feelings of worry and anxiety. We can choose to lean on God who is with us, who loves us, and who transforms us through various trials. Reaching maturity in Christ comes at a cost. Consider the Apostle Paul who wrote: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Phil. 3:10) The most compassionate people I’ve known have experienced sorrow and suffering in their lives, just like Jesus. Listen to their stories. Take comfort in knowing they took the next step by the power of the Holy Spirit. Life is short. Whom will you follow in tough times?

Ellie Holcombe.  "Find You Here."  2017.