As these crazy and interesting times move from weeks to months (Lord willing, it doesn’t turn into years), I think it’s safe to say that we all have our own ways of dealing with the changes and new challenges that this pandemic has forced upon us.

  • We all have some sense of angst during these times. Yes, some of us show it more than others.
  • We all wonder if the authorities have got it completely correct in terms of how they are responding and leading us through this crisis. Yes, some of us wonder more than others.
  • We all know of family or friends who are either sick or immuno-compromised and we are concerned for their health and safety. Yes, some of us are extremely worried for them.
  • We all struggle with the lack of a “horizon” during these times. Yes, some of us can live day to day and not think too far ahead, but for those of us who need “horizons” to look forward to…we become weary.
  • It’s graduation/commencement season and we all are connected to someone who is graduating (or maybe this is you)—but what are they graduating towards? What is next for them? Their future is less clear. And yes, some of us are really bothered by this.
  • We are tired of all of the overused phrases and/or words out there, and some of us just want the following banned:
    • Unprecedented times
    • Rapidly evolving
    • This is the “new normal”
    • Social distancing
    • Uncertain
    • Essential
    • Pivoting
    • “This is not forever; it’s just for now”
    • Toilet paper shortage
  • And finally, we all trust that God is in complete control. Yes, some of us even wonder what God is really up to during this time.

In reference to the last point, someone I respect recently shared with me the following prayer/poem from Desmond Tutu, with a nod to Sir Francis Drake. This poem has helped me in my wondering about what God may be up to…perhaps it will be helpful for you as well.

Disturb us, O Lord

when we are too well-pleased with ourselves
when our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little,
because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, O Lord

when with the abundance of things we possess,
we have lost our thirst for the water of life
when, having fallen in love with time,
we have ceased to dream of eternity
and in our efforts to build a new earth,
we have allowed our vision of Heaven to grow dim.

Stir us, O Lord

to dare more boldly, to venture into wider seas
where storms show Thy mastery,
where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.

In the name of Him who pushed back the horizons of our hopes
and invited the brave to follow.

We need God to disturb us at times in order to deepen our trust in Him. He always has a greater plan and knows what is best. Being part of his greater plan enables us to deepen our relationship with Him. As we grow closer to Him, he provides us peace in the storms of life…and possibly even the stars!

As we’ve started up again in June (some of us) and then wind down again at the end of June – all of us at ACS pray God’s blessings as you head into the summer months.