“Though death on
the cross, He united us as one body." ~ Ephesians 2:16
The first day of spring arrived there
but it didn’t feel like it. Coronavirus
was sweeping the globe with feelings of uncertainty, loneliness and even
despair. “Social Distancing” became the
new norm overnight. Schools closed, grocery
store shelves lay bare of essential items, and people lucky enough to work were
told to do so from home.
Nona shuffled around her cluttered apartment; her frame bent
with age. Watering can in hand, she tipped
water onto already damp soil of the plants; talking to each of them kindly as
if they were her children. At her tea
time she always sat near the old rotary phone just in case someone called; in
case someone needed her.
With little else to do, Nona gazed out her window wondering
how long the crisis would last. It was
then she noticed something that lifted her soul, animated her smile, and charmed
her heart again. They’d been friends once, a lifetime ago – a teacher now for
kids with special needs.
He was delivering school lunches
door-to-door to hungry children stuck at home. Watching him made her think of something Mr.
Roger’s once said: “In the bad times, always look for the helpers.”
Outside on the sidewalk, Ray heard the door open to a
once-familiar voice. “Hello Ray,” she
said in a caring, inviting tone. “Stop
by when you finish, I have some fresh scones and hot tea – a small gesture for
your kindness.”
Create the next chapter in your own imagination.
Here’s the point. Americans
are putting their lives on the line to keep this country moving. That includes many ordinary heroes who didn’t
expect to find themselves on the front lines.
Friendly smiles from postal carriers, affable exchanges with
supermarket cashiers, and glimpses from delivery people have taken on a deeper
meaning today. In addition to reminding
us how much we depend on their consistent efforts, their presence gives us a
much-needed, if only temporary, sense of normalcy; of humanity at its best.
Hopefully, the lessons we learn about caring for each other
from a distance will last far beyond this quarantine … when we stayed home, meditated,
read books, exercised, rested, and learned new ways of being still.
Maybe, we’ll listen more empathetically, pray more deeply,
think differently. And just maybe, in
the absence of people living in selfish, dangerous, and callous ways, the earth
will begin to heal.
And when the danger passes, we’ll join together again,
grieve our losses, and make new choices, dream new images, and created new ways
loving each other ... as if the polarity of our differences magically dissolved
before our eyes.
Lord Jesus, death could not hold You. Though faith, we have no doubt this crisis
will pass. But it’s our choice on
whether it brings out the best or worst in us.
Use it to strengthen our faith. Use
it to free us from fear. Use it to make
us grow kinder, more giving, and more like You.
Amen
