Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Philippians 2
I had a conversation yesterday with a woman whose work was defined as “non-essential” by the State of Washington. She was surviving the isolation, and hoping to be back at work soon. Many of her customers took exception to the State designation. They saw her work as essential, essential to them anyway, and they wanted her to open her business. She told them that she would not open until the State gave permission.
That is the appropriate response. Love looks like an empty church. We, too, will be locked down until it is deemed safe to worship together under one roof. Defeating this virus is the first step to getting our lives back. Defeating this virus is a team effort, for the common good of all people. We all need to do our part to be safe, and make sacrifices as needed.
Our conversation continued with my question, “I assume people are being good-natured about it?” She replied with a smile saying, “Those who were cranky before the crisis are still cranky, and those who were pleasant are still pleasant.”
I found this to be an interesting perspective. It caused me to stop for a minute, to consider which side I was on. I wondered if I have let my own anxiety surface in ways that are less than pleasant. Is it possible that the stress and uncertainty of this crisis have, on occasion, left me cranky? I am guessing that the testimony of those I live with and work with would be consistent. The answer would be yes, and for that I am sorry.
Some seven weeks into this contagion lock-down, I am guessing that we are all getting a little weary and perhaps cranky. Let’s try to remember that no one is at fault for our current suffering, there is no one to blame for the lines at Payless or the closed Island Athletic Club. Let’s try to remember that everyone is going through this, we are all on the same team, and everyone could use a little kindness.
Kindness in place of crankiness. Patience in place of irritation. Tolerance in place of annoyance.
We are one day closer to the end of this crisis.
Much love,
Pastor Jim
The stork arrived last night. Our Emily and her husband Court became parents as Brooks Kincaid Knoblauch was born just after midnight on April 23rd. Felicia and I are so happy to welcome our third grandson into our lives and our family. I have a golf foursome for my old age now.
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