- Charles Spurgeon
There have been many waves in 2020. Have you named them? Here are some of mine:
loss of independence
loss of socializing
loss of freedom to travel
loss of plans, multiple interruptions
loss of important events, retreats, conferences
missed opportunities
less time outdoors
loss of face-to-face time with co-workers
reduced groups in meetings & gatherings (like church)
incredible stress for Dani & her new business
delay for Jordan to start university
endless hours on zoom!
endless regulations & changes
Bruce overworking
multiple friends´ & neighbors´ loss of employment
friends stuck in many different countries
conflict exacerbated by distance
not being able to visit my friend & her new baby in the hospital
being far from a grieving friend & unable to visit
having to sing & lead worship with a mask on
delayed dreams
I´m sure mine are different than yours. While there are many common threads of loss & challenge during this pandemic, your losses are as unique to you as mine are to me.
If you have been able to name them, I wonder if you´ve asked them what they are sent to you for? Everything that is thrown at us - every wave, storm, desert or valley - has a purpose, a theme, a message. Each one holds an invitation to go deeper, live more intentionally, to grow & learn, to change, to be transformed.
What have you been invited to? Here are some of my invitations:
more family time
letting go of selfishness & control
practicing gratitude
releasing plans
loving others remotely
going deeper in my marriage
learning to lead from a distance
grounding myself in the Rock during all the uncertainty
following recommendations even when I don´t necessarily agree
walking through conflict in spite of distance
looking creatively for ways to connect with others
opportunities to share hope with others
deeper prayer for so many affected by CoVid
May you be filled with a profound sense of opportunity and invitation to deeper places as we continue to journey through this pandemic.
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 18:2
"Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee..."
(Augustus Montague Toplady)
Photo by: Ben Myers
