Shine

 May 23, 2020

Shine

 1 Peter 4:12 – 13

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.

 

 

It’s odd, isn’t it? This time of quarantine/lockdown and “soft” re-opening seems so familiar and yet so unfamiliar. We see all the same things we have always seen. We watch the same tv shows we ever did, read books in the same favorite chair we always have, enjoy that same phone calls that we have always been able to make. We just can’t be in contact with anyone outside of our own home. Now that’s pretty unfamiliar- for most of us.

 

I don’t know if we could call this a fiery ordeal. We could if a family member was/is suffering from Covid-19, but for the rest of us the experience has been more of a challenge of those “inalienable rights” we have come to take for granted. You know, freedom of movement most notably. And, because so many businesses are closed down the opportunity to work and make money to provide for ourselves and our family has been restricted.

 

It IS an ordeal however. I want to send to you my sympathies. Really, I do. The ceasing of what we would call a “normal” life has brought forth some serious moments of reflection. And I think that in these moments we can find ourselves feeling less than worthy. Less than- because the measuring stick of a paycheck has been withheld. Less than- because our social connections, where we knew who we were from the reactions of our friends has been taken away. Less than- because our world has been shrunk to the four outer walls of our home. Less than- because there is a loss of communal sharing, whether in church or a team or a card game or a sewing circle or a barbecue.

 

We now know, that anything can happen; who knew our economy would be shut down so quickly and thoroughly? Since we now know this, our scripture can take on new meaning where we may not have been able to imagine applying this to our every-day lives. Do not be surprised now, for still yet- more is to come. And how will you react when it does? Will you be weary or will you be strong? Will you show disgust or will you allow it to be an opportunity? Will you moan in anticipation of still further restrictions being placed upon you or will you find the way to be a neighbor’s hero?

 

Let’s take a deep breath. And yet another. Look at the blessings around us right now. How can we turn the unfamiliar into a glorious opportunity to love?

 

You have it in you. I know you do. I’ll be looking for you to shine!

 

Rev. Ken