Postscript, an additional thought after the end of a letter. In this case, my personal script after the end of the previous blog, Covid-19 (scroll down).
We received a letter earlier this week referencing that popular phrase from a few years ago, What would Jesus do? The writer suggested changing it to What is Jesus doing (in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic)?
There is a lot of good happening. God is at work. Listening to the news we hear about ventilators being made available for our hospitals. We hear about companies offering to retrofit their plants to manufacture these items. We hear how our governors are making decisions to protect the citizens of their states.
We know how our local areas are responding. Sewing machines are humming and masks are being made, both for the medical community, but also for friends and family. People are offering to buy groceries and run errands for their at-risk neighbors.
Caring and kindnesses are happening.
But what about in my backyard, in my home, on my street?
I’ve mutated the question again, What should I be doing? How can I help? I’ve come up with five personal solutions, five practical resolves to help me experience and share our “far more abundant God” (Ephesians 3:20). Or as Henry Blackaby was known to say, to join God in what He is doing.
1. Keep my mind and my heart riveted on the truth of scripture. God is present. God is able. God loves. God is at work. I see all these qualities lived out in the narrative of Jesus walking on the water to get to the disciples in the midst of the storm. As he drew near, he called out to those in the boat, “It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20. Sometimes I need to remind myself several times a day; my forgetter is in good shape.
2. Stay informed, but not over-informed. John 7:26 (NIV) asks, “Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?” Like in the days of Jesus, the authorities in my life are making decisions based on their knowledge and wisdom. I’m thankful. I also realize that the abundance of news available can lead down a path of depression and fear. I ask Bill about once a day, is there anything new I need to know?
3. Both limit and use technology. Communicating is greatly dependent on my cell phone and my computer these days. Friends who never used Zoom before are signing up for accounts to stay in contact with friends, family, business associates. I am so thankful we have this technology. I also realize if I take advantage of every invitation, screen time will dominate and I will squander away the opportunities and purposes of God for that day.
4. Take my cues from the opportunities at hand. We live in the country on a dead-end street with eleven residences each surrounded with five acres of Ponderosa Pines. We don’t naturally run into our neighbors. But we are all willing to help, to be there for the others. That starts with communication; technology makes that easy. But even better, how can I go beyond technology and relate in person. Two different friends … who live 1000 miles apart … told me they are walking their neighborhood, ringing doorbells, and asking is there anything you need? One is also asking how can I pray for you and praying on the spot (of course being mindful of social-distancing). When I took a walk this morning, three neighbors were out doing the same. We stopped and chatted from six feet away. What things are you doing to connect?
Easter is coming and we won’t be going to church. I’m pondering, how we can convey the Easter message on our street. Perhaps an Easter coffee on our deck for one other couple. I’m praying for good weather and that sheltering-in-place won’t be issues. Again, what ideas do you have?
5. Offer help and be humble enough to receive help. Others want to help, to be involved. When I first sent out a neighborhood email with just one idea of how we might support each other, almost every neighbor responded with yes, count me in. I will help too. Community is a two-way street. We have different ideas. We have different gifts. We have each other to lean on.
What is your PS, your personal resolve? Please share your ideas. We need each other!
copyright, Sue Tell, March 2020