The Cocoon
Author: The Rev. Dr. David Bridges
April 15, 2020
The Corona Virus
stay-in of 2020 is also being called “The Great Re-Set”. Nothing seems the same
as before, and things may never be the same again. It that bad? I’m not sure. I
have noticed more people talking about faith and spirituality. I have noticed
more random acts of kindness.
I read stories of
people finishing projects that had been neglected due to a lack of time. Some
are talking about finishing their degrees on-line. We have been doing a little
light remodeling and painting at our house, and I am almost caught-up with yard
work.
This morning the CDC
reported that they expect a new surge of COVID-19 in the winter of 2020-21,
“like a seasonal flu.” Perhaps things will never be the same. But, were we okay
before? We can reminisce about “the way it was” before COVID-19, but there were
some problems.
Have you noticed the
drastic reduction of hateful posts on Facebook? Have you experienced strangers
being more kind and supportive? Are you adjusting to a new normal? John F.
Kennedy said: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past
or present are certain to miss the future.”
We are not clear
what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. “Think first of the
Kingdom of God, and everything else you need will be provided.” (Matthew 6:33,
paraphrased) Part of this is knowing what we “need”, rather than wishing for
what we don’t have.
Think of this time
of isolation as a cocoon. A caterpillar goes into a cocoon and comes out a
butterfly. The transformation takes place in isolation and darkness. When the
caterpillar emerges as a butterfly, it no longer has to crawl around; it can
now fly!
Perhaps this time of
isolation is a time of preparation for all of us. Preparation for us to do and
be better. To be more conscious of our footprint. To be more considerate of
others. To be more caring. To place a higher value on life. To be our best
selves.
All of the new
on-line Churches are reporting increased “attendance” compared to previously
in-person Services. Perhaps this is a sign that more people are looking for
spiritual support and energy. Perhaps we are approaching a new awakening of the
Spirit.
One thing is
certain, we have all been given the gift of time … time to complete projects,
time to study and improve ourselves, and time to consider what things are truly
important to us. Find your better self and watch the world around you change
for the better. Be well.
Blessings and Peace
to You All,
Fr.
David+
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