Where have you seen God
during the Covid-19 pandemic?
It’s so easy to feel sad about what we can’t do during this time of a global pandemic. No hugs, no traveling, no meeting friends for coffee or dinner, no large family gatherings…….I’m sure you could create your own long list, too.
But, what has both surprised and heartened me during this time is the joy that can appear at unexpected times and in very different places. When my high school juniors and seniors were allowed back in school (wearing face masks and at half strength) the joy was visible in their eyes. There was a brightness on their faces and happiness in their greetings that couldn’t be hidden or muffled by a mask.
Meeting my Bible study friends under the portico of the church this summer showed that the love we share for each other was alive and well. We studied race relations and challenged each other to reflect on God’s love for each person we know and especially those we don’t know.
While all of us would rather be in church than on the couch Sunday mornings, there has been a sense of peace that comes through our TV as we look in on Mayflower “carrying on” the service of worship on Sunday mornings. I can imagine my church friends on their couch praying with us, singing with us, and discussing Pastor Jon’s and Pastor Ruth’s messages. The gift again this year of a wonderful musical presentation of Amahl and the Night Visitors brought into our home the message of God’s great gift of healing and restoration through His Son.
There is the feeling of great hope watching the shipments of a vaccine leaving Portage to travel across the country and soon the world. It feels appropriate that the vaccine’s release comes at the same time we remember and celebrate the hope that Christ brings into our world.
So where is God during all of this? In the joyful glowing faces and excited chatter of students reunited, the love of friends and God’s love for all, the peace we feel in worship, the hope we have thanks to medical science…….I’m sure you can create a long list, too.
