Cicero is remembered to say, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” During my recent bout with COVID-19, I’ve had time to reflect and pray. The Holy Spirit brought new life to many lessons I once knew or heard. Here are lessons my church community taught me:
Lesson 1: My Value (and Yours) is Inherent My family and faith community reminded me that my well-being was more important than my output. “Stay home, rest. That is the important thing for you,” affirmed my worth beyond what I produce. “But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)
Lesson 2: We, Not Me When I had to drop my Sunday responsibilities, so many stepped in seamlessly. I saw the power of mission-focused effort. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body.” (Romans 12:4-5)
Lesson 3: Small Gestures, Big Impact A timely text message with words of encouragement was just what I needed. Many reached out, some offered food and others were praying. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
Lesson 4: Resilient Yet Fragile Bodies have the wisdom to heal, but we must let them. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Lesson 5: The Golden Rule in Reverse Allowing others to care for me felt selfish, but I must learn to receive love and care as much as I want to give them. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
Lesson 6: Giving Over, Not Giving Up In quarantine, I felt like a failure. When I released my struggles, I remembered I was not giving up, but giving it over to God and God’s people. “Cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Lesson 7: All Things Work Together God brings good out of our whole lives. Even in times of real struggle, God is working. Not every event is good, but God can bring good out of our whole lives. The “good” Paul describes is in God’s character and purposes, often involving our spiritual growth and becoming more like Christ.
Grace & Peace,