Hello, dear friends of Zion!
I hope this finds you well. Scott and I have been missing our beloved congregation and the fellowship that would normally happen in person on a weekly basis. Isn’t it interesting how small things that we were used to experiencing regularly suddenly feel like the substance of life? Those conversations in passing or at greeting time, the time in the nursery with the kids, or parking lot catch-ups…these things matter. I trust that in this season you’re finding new ways of greeting others, conversing with them, and caring for them.
I’ve been encouraged from many people to “love your neighbor,” so that’s the simple truth I’m asking God to teach me in a fresh and deeper way. I’ve heard the often-quoted Bible verse and phrase “love your neighbor” from reading, listening to podcasts, or conversing with others, and I’m encouraged by the repeated message. It’s easy to get caught up in what we’re going through right now or what our opinions are regarding the handling of the pandemic, but I pray that the simple truth to love my neighbor is my rock.
As Lanier Ivester said in an article on the Rabbit Room website, “For once, we all have the chance to live the way our grandmothers told us to all along: wash your hands, cover your mouth. And do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Many of us are struggling with large or small disappointments or hopes deferred. It’s easy for me to get too wrapped up in the right way to live life during this pandemic. But, no matter the strange new happenings, I’ve been thankful for that reminder that keeps coming my way: I can love my neighbors. Our neighbors have always first and foremost been those in our home. In a season when I have ample time with Scott and Olivia, I’m daily asking God to refine me in how I speak to them, treat them, and think of them in the attitude of my heart. (Not because I’m sick of them, but because isn’t this where it’s easiest to forget to be Christ-like, in our homes?) Perhaps God is using my home to refine my heart most, drawing me to Him and preparing me to love others well when I venture into public. Not only in my home can I love my neighbors, but I can also stop for that extra conversation with neighbors or spend a little extra time chatting with the stranger who needs a listening ear. In the very least, I can give someone a squinty smile they can see in my eyes of my masked face.
I know Scott and I are having conversations, perhaps a little late in the game, about how to be intentional with our time, or about how God can shape our time or our view of our time. I’d always love to hear how you and your family are shaping your time and loving your “neighbors” as well.
I’ll wrap up with one final word of encouragement I read from Ann Voskamp that reminds me to always seek God’s glory as I learn and relearn how to love my neighbors: “Everything is going to be okay – because the Word Himself walks into our story and walks with us, until the end of the story ends in His time, in His ways, for our ultimate good and for His ultimate glory. And that is why everything’s going to be okay. And if everything’s not okay yet, everything’s not over yet.”
I’m trusting God for grace and a soft heart when I come short of being a Christ-like neighbor in my heart, attitude, words, or actions. And I’m reminded to trust that everything will be for our good and His glory.
If you’re interested in reading either of the two articles I referenced, here are the titles and links:
“Love in The Time of Covid-19” by Lanier Ivester
“How to Survive This Virus: Chapter One…” by Ann Voskamp