So how are you doing … really?

In my conversations with people, I find that there are those who are thriving in this time of isolation and others who most definitely are not. There are others again who are fluctuating between the two.

I find myself in that latter group. There are moments when I think, “How wonderful (in theory) to have time to stop and just be.” Unfortunately, that hasn’t panned out exactly as I imagined. It seems that the pandemic has created a different type of pastoral work, which requires new skills to be learned. I never signed up to be a televangelist! Not only that, honestly, I had never heard of Zoom before all of this. Now it seems, a day doesn’t go by when I am not “Zooming”, sometimes several times a day ;)

So, on those days when I am feeling overwhelmed, battling feelings of isolation in a house with two other people, antsy to go out, frustrated with the news, I remember this:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

These are the words that Moses spoke to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6 and they ring as true today as they did then.

The Lord has promised to never leave His people. We need not fear because His unfailing love surrounds us always.

Remembering that God is near helps me to stand stronger against feelings of fear, discouragement and all that isolation brings.

So here are some things that I have been doing:

1. Spending some quality time with God.

The stores may run out of toilet paper, flour and hair dye, but as Christians we have a never-ending treasure in God’s word. I have been challenged in these weeks to read through the Psalms and it has been amazing!

2. Staying connected with others.

Like I mentioned, I have been “Zooming” a lot, but I have also been going old school and chatting with friends and family on the phone. I still have one of those phones that plug into the wall and it still works great!

3. We found Quarantine buddies!

Every Sunday night, since this thing began, Brian and I ‘Zoom chat’ with our dear friends in Hamilton. We catch up on our week, talk about life, kids, and how we are coping. It has been so good to have friends to go through this with!

4. We are maximize family time.

I spoke with a young person this week who told me that the best part of isolating is that he is spending more time with his parents than ever before. And he loves it! I am not sure Emily feels the same way about being stuck with her parents, but I for one LOVE it. We are cooking, baking, watching movies, and having some great conversation, which are only some of the hidden blessings!

5. We are trying to serve others

At Amberlea we are trying to find creative and fun ways to serve others by building community in isolation. For instance we have: Zoom Coffee Hour at 11:45am on Sunday morning; the “Getting to Know You” series on our website; Youth gatherings on Zoom; and even Freezer Club!

Personally, we are baking, cooking and sharing! Delivering ice cream cakes, balloons, flowers and whatever else we think will brighten someone’s day. It’s likely been more fun for us than the recipient.

And, on those days when we feel particularly lonely and overwhelmed,

6. We reach out

I have spoken with friends I trust, colleagues and our outstanding and Godly elders. I hope you know that you can do the same. You are not alone. We are the church and we are here for each other. So if you need help, please reach out. If you are feeling lonely, please reach out. We are stronger together and together we will get through this!

Staying put and staying strong!

In Jesus name, Amen!