A very long three days. . . .

“What hurts you, blesses you. Darkness is your candle.
The wound is the place where the light enters you.” –Rumi

We are losing track of time. Day after day after day, we are told where not to go, what not to do—who we cannot visit because of the coronavirus. Some days, I feel a bit like the wild cats at the zoo, pacing back and forth, back and forth, seeming to just want to get out of this place!

 Who’s with me? Who’s about had enough?

 Put your hands down. 

 Now that we have acknowledged that we are all in this together, look at this season another way:

If that wild cat were released from her cage, she would surely die, either from her inexperience as a wild hunter or because she posed a danger to a human who owned a gun. Being caged in, fed regularly and cared for is life-giving, even if it’s not quite the way Mother Nature intended her life to be.

 Can we try to see this isolation the same way? If we do not follow the guidelines of distancing, hand-washing and mask-wearing, those whom we love stand a better chance of getting very sick—or worse. Our captivity is saving lives. Possibly our own, as well as the lives of others.

 Some traditions tell us that after he was crucified, Jesus spent those three days, not lying dead in the tomb, but in the depths of Sheol, releasing souls to new life, through God’s Grace.

 Use this time to wait. Let God nurture you. And when you must go out, please. Wear a mask. It’s the best thing to do. (And try not to bite anyone. You’ll only get a mouthful of fabric, and maybe some cat hair, anyway!)

Monday The days are beginning to grow shorter again. The sun comes up a bit later every morning. How do you feel about this? Genesis 32:22-36

 Tuesday A phone call is certainly no substitute for a real visit, but today, reach out. Call someone who’s been on your heart. Enjoy the virtual company. Psalm 17:1-7

 Wednesday Do you have an herb garden? Herbs are so very easy to grow, and so rewarding! Consider getting a couple of seed packets and pots to paint. Watch the seeds grow, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Isaiah 55:1-5

 Thursday Today, as it begins to get dark outside, open a window and turn off the lights. Listen for the sounds of the evening. Rest in gratitude. Genesis 32:27-31

 Friday As the month draws to a close, pause and reflect. Personal growth shouldn’t stopped during a pandemic. Who are you today, that’s a change from who you were four months ago? Psalm 145:8-9

 Saturday What one new thing are you willing to add to your life for the next month? Ask God to suggest something, and really try to stick to it. Matthew 14:13-21

 Sunday My church (strongsvilleucc.com) is still online only. How about yours? What a terrific opportunity to try something new! Give thanks for the technology that makes virtual church a reality. It’s so much better than nothing! Psalm 145:14-21

Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness and captivity would, without this comfort, be unsupportable. –William Samuel Jackson

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