Stormy Seas
As I drove to Comox in the rain this past Wednesday, I was aware that summer was over. The sea was rough, the wind was blowing and it was apparent that fall had arrived. Normally, Fall is one of my favourite times of the years because as much as I enjoy gardening, by October, I really am ready to put it to bed for the winter. In years gone by it would be a time for me to look forward to a new season.
Normally in the church, it would be a time to start new book studies and groups; a time to connect with families as children start to return to Sunday School and for those of us working behind the scenes, to begin planning. Often the choir would begin to practise Christmas music and my office would be strewn with possible scripts for the pageant!
At home it was a time to start inviting friends over for dinner and perhaps an exciting game of “Sequence.” Often, there would be brochures stacked on the coffee table so Carol and I could contemplate a winter vacation. Even if we didn’t go anywhere it was still always nice to look and to dream. My “Honey Do List” would include things like fall fertilizer, pulling the annuals, pruning the perennials and the dreaded – clean the garage so we can park our cars inside.
I like the warm days, the cool nights and the shortening of the days. It’s always kind of special and cozy the first evening that we need to turn on the fireplace or join friends outside for a campfire.
It is so different this Fall with COVID that I don’t quite know what to make of it. We’re adjusting, we’re making the best of it, but it is the oddest Fall I have ever experienced. We cocooned and socially isolated at the beginning of the pandemic but have gotten quite used to sitting with friends on the deck, knowing that distance and fresh air will keep us safe. Now, to think that entertaining inside might put us all in danger is a little disconcerting!
Winter holidays are out of the question and even flying to Toronto to see our children just seems too risky. Are there places close by where we can go to rest and rejuvenate?
When we first began Virtual Worship last March, I don’t think any of us envisioned that we would still be doing it this Fall. Yes, we are planning new activities, but it is new and uncharted territories.
And hanging above us, like a dark foreboding cloud are the rising numbers of new infections, hospitalizations and new deaths. What activities are contributing to this escalation? Who of our friends and families with be infected? Which ones will pass away? How do we be safe and still experience life? How long can we survive in isolated social bubbles?
So, when I drove by the ocean and saw the turmoil and crashing waves, it seemed to be a reflection of my inner life. That is a bit how Fall feels to me this year. I’ve had other times similar in my life. I think we have all experienced doubts and shadows at two in the morning. We have all felt distressed when our personal, professional and communal lives feel out of control. It is at those times that I turn to the Psalms – for of all the writing in scripture, it is the Psalms that speak to us the most when darkness, confusion and turmoil surround us. Although it makes for a longer blog, I would like to share a psalm that brings me comfort in such times for it reminds me that I am not alone, God is with me – Psalm 91.
91 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God’s your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can’t get close to you, harm can’t get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they’ll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path. 14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!”
May God be with you.
Wayne