I Will Not Take These Things for Granted

I have seen and experienced a lot of different things in my life. I have lived in different parts of the country. I have traveled to different destinations on vacation and mission trips alike. I've met good people who would give you the shirt off their back and I've met others who lacked simple integrity and respect.

In my lifetime, I witnessed some historic moments. The Bicentennial celebration in 1976, the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan in 1981, the Challenger explosion in 1986, the first Gulf War in 1990, the dramatic days of 9-11-2001, the war against terrorism in Afghanistan in the 21st century, the housing crisis of 2008 and the current mess we are in, COVID-19 virus pandemic.

As Author Charles Dickens wrote over a century ago: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

One commentator said of these words that Dickens was shedding light on two different times going on in two different countries. It describes how human emotions, political situation, and religious fervor had set apart two countries. The timings were of the French Revolution when human rights, public emotions, public despair, and mob violence were the order of the day, while on the other hand, there was peace in England.

Which city best describes our nation today? The tumult of the revolution in France or the peace and order found in England? Which one would you rather have?

We live in difficult times, do we not? It's another election year with attack ads and accusations flying on the airwaves, highways, and through the halls of the Capitol and the White House. The COVID-19 virus pandemic continues to spread worldwide. The number of cases on the rise has taken off in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut metro area. There are areas that have strict "shelter in place" orders in hopes of containing this menace. But my whole family is pretty much there. Mom, Dad, stepparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, my brother's family all live within a stone's throw of the epicenter of the pandemic.

There is so much happening and changing every hour. Stores are closed. Restaurants are closed. Bars and taverns are closed. Parks are closed, the gym, and the churches, too. I have never seen entire aisles completely empty in a grocery store for this long.

What are we to do?

We could wallow in self-pity, feel sorry for ourselves, whine and complain about how we've got nothing to do. Yes, things are different now. While some of the things we take for granted are no longer at our available, there is so much we can be thankful and grateful for.

I am grateful for my mostly good health, my supportive, loving family, and a congregation that cares about my well-being and the well-being of each other. I am grateful for having clothes to wear, food to eat and a roof over my head. I am grateful for the men and women who work hands-on in our healthcare system using their skills and gifts to help those who are sick. Your gratitude is determined by your attitude.

And during this pandemic and time of "social distancing", I am most grateful for the gift of grace given to me in the person of Jesus Christ. It is an irresistible grace that is unwavering and untiring in its work in our lives.

Recall with me the story of Nehemiah, having returned to Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon, was tasked with rebuilding the fallen walls of their once-mighty city. Nehemiah said to them, "' You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer suffer disgrace.' I told them that the hand of my God had been gracious upon me, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. Then they said, 'Let us start building!' So they committed themselves to the common good." (Neh. 2:17-18)

We must also commit ourselves to the common good both during this pandemic and the months to follow. There is much for us to do and we will persevere through every challenge and opportunity that God places before us.

Stay healthy. Stay safe. And watch out for one another. Be kind. We are all in this together.

Peace,
SDN