40 Days of Embracing Uncertainty - Day 18 (for Tuesday, March 17)

I couldn’t get past a phrase that the author of “Embracing the Uncertain” devotional booklet wrote: “I think it is worth something that even Jesus and this Pharisee… found a way to sit down and break bread together.  That alone is a good example for us to follow.”  All things being equal, I would not disagree with the author.  It is a very good example for us to follow in Jesus’ footprints and sit down with others and commune with them.  The main point of the devotional goes on to talk about humility and following the example Jesus set.

But we are living in a time when all things are not equal.  Everything has been turned upside down.  We are being strongly encouraged to refrain from breaking bread together so that this coronavirus pandemic might “pass over” us without too many being infected.  Meeting together is being discouraged. 

I get that.  What made me stop and think was this: how much I am beginning to miss the connections we all share in common.  Sure it’s only been one week and I know we have a few more to deal with before this situation might change.  I look forward to the day when our three churches will be worshiping together in our hallowed sanctuaries, being able to greet one another and talk with one another to see how everyone is doing.

But I also know it’s a very positive thing for us to rally around our families and spend precious time with them as we sequester ourselves off from much of the world around us.  I have no issues with any of that (just don’t expect me to regale you with stories of cat bonding – that’s not going to happen).  I believe these are very precious days for us to stay safe and connected to those who are in our household. 

I heard something on the radio about these challenging days we are living in – something to do with the fact that we should never “wish our time away”.  The radio announcer was saying that many people he had spoken with are just hoping for this to end, wishing that this will all be over soon so that we can return to a normalcy of living.  I hear that.  But this life is almost too brief for us to wish away any time at all.  We must try to make the best of the only time that we have been given and that time is today.  Tomorrow is promised to no one.  Today is the day.

It is a given that we develop connections beyond the home and when we are not connected to those relationships, we can feel discouraged – even isolated from them.  This is not a forever thing.  Value each moment you have been given right now.  Keep yourself connected to those you love through your digital sources.  For those who do not have them, use the phone.  If you can't text, send a letter - even a card "Thinking of You" - especially to those who you know do not have social media at their fingertips.

I didn't really follow the devotional focus on humility.  I was more compelled to share that we cannot allow one precious moment to slip through our fingers while we have the chance to connect with family, with friends, with others.  We can be very creative in how we do that.

Because today is priceless.  We need to use it or lose it.