I am writing these morning thoughts specifically for my St. Luke’s Brothers and Sisters and may not resonate in every faith community. As dedicated, committed pre-Covid 19 Lutherans, who loved to practice their faith, it was quite simple, straight forward and maybe just a bit too easy. Example from St. Luke’s — everything began by conveniently picking one of four wonderful services each Sunday (dependent upon our morning habits), get ready by dressing according to my personal preference (comfortably), arrive in time to find “my” place in the sanctuary (early enough to avoid losing it), happily greet those around me (usually familiar faces), participate in meaningful liturgy (bringing familiar comfort), become inspired by wonderful special music (every Sunday), be challenged by a sermon (always helpful), confess my shortcomings (sin), ask for His forgiveness (find peace), share together the Lord’s Prayer, commemorate His gift of grace through the Lord’s Supper, thank God for his blessings and dismiss to Fellowship Hall, indeed, for a good time of fellowship. I share this reminiscence, as a reminder of the wonderful past but also as a lament, realizing, I took this all for-granted and never thought for a moment it would not be available.
My wife, Kim and I were so very comfortable in our worship patterns and grateful to be in a church that enriched our lives. Never did we believe that the convenient spiritual journey we were on would come to such an abrupt halt. It’s likely many of you, like us, are still in a bit of shock and denial over these events and simply want it to end. Clearly, God has a different plan and this reality has caused all of us to find a new way to worship and find connection with our Lord. Personally, I returned to a basic, the Bible (who would have thought). Due to many reasons, some valid many not, I had gotten in the habit of neglecting the foundation of all the above. That has changed and hopefully forever. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and much of Psalms have especially become a staple in my daily life now. If you have not read those amazing books of wisdom for a while, or maybe never, this may be a good time. I am rediscovering the intimate thoughts of very wise men who faced challenges and doubts even greater than mine and how they talked and yes negotiated with God. In many cases, it is like the authors have crawled into my head and are using it as a writing studio. As one of the writers of Ecclesiastes states, “there is nothing new under the sun.” God has a treasure trove of wisdom, comfort and knowledge for us to grasp if only we access it. Let the Bible speak to you, there is no one way to interpret and understand its words. Relax and allow the Holy Spirit do that for you... it can make a significant difference in these spiritually austere times.
“Dear God, guide and protect us on our journey in these uncharted waters. May your Word always be our compass as your love nurtures and sustains us. Amen."
May God bless!
Paul Harshner
