Life on the Pasture

At my wife Ellen’s urging, I took a few hours this afternoon to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather – sunny skies, temperatures in the mid 50’s, and just a hint of a breeze. So a little after 4:00 p.m. we found ourselves with our dog Jingles on a trail at Mitchell Park in Brookfield. Apparently plenty of other people had the same idea. There was no issue with social distancing. Everyone was very spread out. However, when Ellen sneezed, people who heard it noticeably jumped and then laughed a bit at how our reactions to things have now changed. Instead of “Bless you,” the new response is, “Oh no! I hope that person doesn’t have COVID-19!”

Many articles have been written in the past few weeks offering opinions on what social customs may now change as a result of the pandemic. Will we stop shaking hands as a greeting or a way to seal a deal? Will high fives be replaced with high waves? Will all of us have personal hand sanitizer bottles with us at all times?

One thing that will not change is our need for community. In my belief system, it’s something we’re created with. As our Lord said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” One can already see as the “Safer at Home” order continues that people are beginning to miss being together.

Which is why, as much of a blessing as technology is in that we can have online worship opportunities, what a great day it will be when church families can again be together as the community of the faithful. That is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of church life for those who choose not to be a part of it – the true care and concern people have for each other as they who have first been loved by our Lord now love their neighbors as themselves.

The temptation will arise after the pandemic runs its course for some to be satisfied with continuing to attend church online or simply listen to a pastor’s podcasts, but that misses the true joy of enjoying beautiful days in a neighborhood of brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why the writer to the Hebrews wrote way back in the 1st century, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Please continue to offer prayers for those now isolated because of COVID-19, asking that they would know the peace of the Lord’s presence in a special way.

– Pastor Schmidt

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash