My world has gotten smaller in increments. First it was: don't gather with more than 50 people. Then: don't gather with more than 10. Then: don't gather with more than 6. Then: we're closing the dining halls, so you'll have to carry-out. Then: don't leave campus. Then: don't leave your house except to walk around outside. Then: we'll deliver meals to you. Yesterday: just leave your trash outside your door, and we will pick it up. I read an article today that said that New Zealand had just gone cold turkey. When they shut down, they shut everything down all at once. I think that would have been easier. There for a while it was hard to keep track of what we could and could not do. And there are the people still working, and the clergy and teachers on a steep technology learning curve. I don't need to tell you these are difficult times we're living in.
I think about Mary and Joseph. They lived under Roman rule. They had to be careful what they said and did. They could be ordered around by the Romans at a moment's notice. When told to go to Bethlehem to be counted, Joseph would have had to shut down his carpenter shop for the journey, so they would have no income. Then they ended up with an unplanned trip for a couple of years in Egypt. (I know, I'm consolidating stories and myths, here, but stay with me.) Returning home, they probably had to move in with family until they could get back on their feet. It was a very trying time, but those of us who've come after are so appreciative of the sacrifices they made.
Loving God, we are so grateful for the people who are helping us all to survive, or at least to go peacefully. We thank you for the medical professionals on the front lines. We thank you for the grocery, delivery, and restaurant workers helping us to stay fed. We thank you for the scientists, who even now are rushing to find not only a cure, but a way to help us all through this. We know that this will not last forever, but how different the world will be when it's over. And through it all, we know that you are walking with us, and before us, and that you will lead and guide us in the rebuilding when this is all over. Be with those who grieve, with those who are ill, with those in fear, and with all of us as we seek to continue to be the church in the world. Amen.
I think about Mary and Joseph. They lived under Roman rule. They had to be careful what they said and did. They could be ordered around by the Romans at a moment's notice. When told to go to Bethlehem to be counted, Joseph would have had to shut down his carpenter shop for the journey, so they would have no income. Then they ended up with an unplanned trip for a couple of years in Egypt. (I know, I'm consolidating stories and myths, here, but stay with me.) Returning home, they probably had to move in with family until they could get back on their feet. It was a very trying time, but those of us who've come after are so appreciative of the sacrifices they made.
Loving God, we are so grateful for the people who are helping us all to survive, or at least to go peacefully. We thank you for the medical professionals on the front lines. We thank you for the grocery, delivery, and restaurant workers helping us to stay fed. We thank you for the scientists, who even now are rushing to find not only a cure, but a way to help us all through this. We know that this will not last forever, but how different the world will be when it's over. And through it all, we know that you are walking with us, and before us, and that you will lead and guide us in the rebuilding when this is all over. Be with those who grieve, with those who are ill, with those in fear, and with all of us as we seek to continue to be the church in the world. Amen.
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