Blame it on the sunshine — or the coffee — or the rumor in our area that the Omicron Virus may be peaking. I feel Hopeful. Sort of.
That hope feels like a shaft of sunshine, after weeks of gray— as friends and family endured bouts of illness over Christmas.
The darkest days have been the ones when some defended their choice — sometimes right — to go without masks in crowds.
The podium upon which I am tempted to spring beckons — but these are not times to make speeches, are they?
What I said never changed anybody; what they understood did. ~ Paul P.
Today’s Imperatives
Persuade but don’t bark and accuse. (Peggy Noonan, WSJ January 6, 2022)
Read Luke 10; reread 10:25-37.
Tell me who you are in this parable.
Now, imagine that beaten man as a healthcare worker, or anybody else who has had to show up for work in this pandemic.
Does that image refine your understanding of your choices? It does mine.
This Image on the door to my doctor’s office also refined my understanding.Would you think about this as you choose.
A Request as We Make Our Choices
Some More Light —
Perhaps it’s exceptionally difficult to bear with people in your church or small group or friendship circle. Maybe everything they do is frustrating. I believe the New Testament would say simply, have patience. Paul said it best:
As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Col. 3:12–14, NIV).~ Jeremy Lineman, How COVID Has Affected Our Friendships—and What to Do About It
Healthcare workers who are affected by our choices
I’m hopeful this day too (although several days since you wrote.) Sunshine does make a huge difference. It’s Monday morning after last night’s ice storm, a brief snow just ended, the sun is out and I see a bit of blue sky.