Five months ago, Jennie Gruber and other gardeners put seeds in the ground on our property in hopes that they would become carrots, tomatoes, zucchinis, and other varieties of delicious veggies. It worked! All summer long, volunteers picked, packaged, and delivered fresh produce to local families in need. Back in the spring, we couldn’t be absolutely sure what would happen, but the holes were dug and the seeds were nestled down in the soil in hopes the harvest would come.
This past Sunday, a handful of people trimmed bushes and spread mulch around the playground at Union Elementary School. We don’t know if the children will be able to enjoy that area all year long or just for a few more weeks – it all depends on what COVID does – but that didn’t stop us. We cleaned up and beautified that space trusting that our efforts would not only visually enhance the space, but also make that area more conducive to play and would encourage little ones and their encounters with creation.
People of Christian faith are future-focused people. We aren’t ever certain what the immediate future holds, but that doesn’t stop us from leaning into the coming days with hope. This orientation doesn’t make us oblivious to the realities around us and we certainly don’t ignore the pain and suffering that plagues people and communities. We also don’t diminish the mountaintop joys and thrills of the here and now. Life is filled with both. We dwell in both the already, but not yet. We are fully present right here, right now, and also have our eye on the horizon for something that’s coming our way.
Last time I visited my mom, I noticed that she had a new wall hanging in her kitchen. “Not to spoil the ending, but everything is going to be OK.” God promises to be with us on the highs and lows of our journey throughout life, as well as a future of full restoration, healing, and complete peace—shalom. God promises us that there will be a day when the lion and the lamb will lay down together (Isaiah 11), tears will be wiped from our eyes (Revelation 21), and death will be turned to life (Romans 6). Echoing the biblical voices, Bob Marley sings, “Don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”
We’re going to be talking about the future a lot this year. What will ministry and life look like in the season of COVID and beyond? What will our moments of worship, learning, and serving look like as we adjust to the new rhythms and regulations of our life together? As we dream and look ahead, what has this season of quarantine and isolation taught us about ourselves and about God? How can we live into the future as one in Christ, when we live in a polarized society and envision things in a variety of ways? Do our differences pull us in opposite directions or merge us together, forging even stronger bonds with one another for a shared purpose in loving and serving God and our neighbors in need?
Everything before us is God’s loving work. The Spirit of God stirs our hearts and minds, moves our hands our feet, and puts us in motion for mission. We can’t help but live, share, and celebrate right where we are.
Looking forward to all that is ahead,
Pastor Lowell