© jb katke
“I think the best thing is for you is to not go to church.”
My words. Never would my children, or even I, imagine me saying that.
My youngest was checking in on me. I have just gotten over the flu. A ‘normal’ flu that left me feeling like I had been hit by a truck. Several times. Naomi was still battling a cough that doesn’t want to quit.
I told her our church was taking a time out for two weeks, conducting services online only. She wished her church was doing that, hence my above statement.
What has come over me? For that matter, what has come over our country? Answer: Corona Virus. AKA COVID-19.
The pandemic has overtaken not just the world, but our senses. A couple days ago my husband and I did our grocery shopping. Some of the shelves were bare, reminding me of third world countries I have visited. The top selling product first to run out? Toilet paper.
As much as I hate to admit it, we were among the maddening crowd. It becomes a survival of the fittest mindset. Inconvenience is not widely accepted in this country.
Hunkering down is another new concept. Also not warmly received.
But as I have scanned through the Bible, I have seen this isn’t a new thing. Famines and plagues have been going on and off for centuries. Read this for a mind-boggler:
What has been, will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV
So it’s just us and an unfamiliar experience. Very much like waking up to the realization that I’m a senior citizen.
Opportunist that I am, it has been a life mission of mine to offer spiritual encouragement to anyone who will listen. Many life questions are addressed in a church setting. Good news can be heard there that generally is not broadcast outside the doors of Jesus’ house.
There is a fine line between encouraging and harping. No doubt I have crossed that invisible line on more than one occasion. It’s not that I know so much, I just know where to turn for answers. It takes time, patience, and an open heart that wants to know.
This week I attended church in my family room. It was a timely message. I’ll be there next week too, join me won’t you?
One Day Wonders with JBK 