"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5
In case you forgot, we are halfway there!
During this season we now find ourselves in, there is so much to think about and so much to consider.
- New decisions to be made
- Alternate routines to create
- Online meetings to schedule
- Gatherings to postpone
- School worksheets to print
- Budgets to re-examine
It’s a lot. Sometimes, it can be too much.
But we are halfway there.
Amid this surreal experience where our lives have become unrecognizable, I want to remind you that we are halfway through a 40-day journey called Lent.
Even as our lives seem to be moving in every direction all at once, we continue to move toward the cross, burial and resurrection.
Easter is coming.
If you are like me (thoughts and prayers if so), this past week has jerked you from the inner life, abiding in Christ and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit, to the outer life and urgent needs that must be addressed. Don’t get me wrong. This outer work is important. It’s important for my family, for my neighbors for the people we gather with called the church.
But without the inner work and without the abiding presence of Jesus Christ, I find myself spinning and unable to care for myself, so that I can effectively care for others.
This virus has disrupted routines, forced us to deny ourselves and to give up certain pleasures and to focus on those who are most vulnerable. What is so ironic is that this is also the focus of the Lenten season.
During this storm, may we hear the words of Jesus saying, “Peace, be still.” May we walk in His peace and share His peace with one another.
Peace be with you,
Bryan
