How are you doing?  How many times a day are you asked that?  So, how are you doing?

I don’t know about you, but I am getting a bit stir crazy.  I have read 10 books, built a library table, rearranged all the cabinets, scanned all my photo albums so they are now all digital, learned to cut mats for my son’s photos, and learned a bit about video editing.  My life is sure different on April 28^th than it was on March 22nd when we last met in worship.

Everything has changed, for now and probably forever.  How are you doing?

This primitive virus has brought the most powerful nation blessed with scientific acumen, and tremendous resources to its knees. And in the space of less than three months everything has changed.   What was, is gone, and will be replaced by a new normal.  A virus that can only be seen by a microscope has changed our lives.

This really hit home for us as Easter approached, and we learned a new term – virtual worship.  How we do worship changed.  Our lives were altered just as we were preparing to celebrate Easter, the resurrection.  We gathered “virtually” to celebrate resurrection.
Everything has changed.  But, I’ve been thinking. What has changed your life more, the virus or the resurrection?  Ouch!
Maybe a better question is, how has COVID made you more aware of the resurrection?

As Easter people (as Jesus followers) there are some things you might do to show the reality of the resurrection: 

1.    Keep in mind and heart that relationships are as important as ever. How you relate to people during this time is as important as what you do. Care and compassion reveal more of Jesus than anything you might know or do.
2.    Be generous in your assumptions.
3.    Deliver groceries to the people who are in isolation.
4.    Share the hard to find commodities with those who are experiencing financial difficulties or with those who can’t get out to buy them.
5.    Cook a meal and offer it to your neighbors.
6.    Offer entertainment and relationship to those filled with dread.
7.    Help people find the resources they might need. In times of crisis, it is difficult for some people to keep up with the facts, relevant news, and the resources provided. Be loving and kind in sharing what you know.
8.    Learn to make masks and offer them to your neighbors.
9.    Keep in mind that there are systemic problems, not problem people.
10.  You have other ideas. Remember, all you do is with love and grace.

A new normal – But, not the same as the impact of the resurrection

Maybe this pandemic has awakened the true normal and is offering you another opportunity to be the evidence of the resurrection. The pandemic surely changes your living, but it will not have the changing impact as the resurrection.
Now, what will last longer, the pandemic or the resurrection?
How are you doing?  I think your answer will depend on how you answer the question, “what has changed you more, the virus or the resurrection?”
May the resurrection be your new normal.

Peace,
Pastor Hoyt