by Rev. Dick Weaver
My spouse, Reverend Cathy Barker (she prefers that I just call her “Cathy”!) occasionally takes part in “Dances of Universal Peace” events. Nowadays, these events take place online, as do many such things. The three questions above came from a discussion that was held recently at an online dance, though she says they aren’t copyrighted or patented, and so anyone might have created them; anyone can use them.
We’re all dealing with the whirling uncertainties and new developments of living with the Covid-19 pandemic and the changes in our lives and fortunes that have come along because of that, or because of other things that shape our existence. But it’s good to stop once in a while to evaluate. Sure, we’re still wearing masks and being more careful than we might have been otherwise; and sure, we don’t know if or when we’ll return to something that feels “normal.” It’s still good to step back just a tad and see how we might answer questions like those. As people of faith, we might add to the list of three with one or two more:
“As a person of faith, do you see God’s presence or activity during this time? How?”
“How has this period of your life challenged your faith?”
There are all sorts of spin-offs from these additional questions, too. Feel free to follow them where they might take you.
What have you lost?
Have you lost friends or loved ones? Have you lost friendships, or have relationships changed in painful or in helpful ways? Do you miss the daily interactions at work and when you’re out and about? Have you lost your job? Your home? Your savings? Have you lost whatever sense of security you had previously? Have you lost faith in God, or has your faith changed in challenging ways? Finally (or not so finally) What losses can you let go of without too much difficulty?
What have you gained?
New appreciation for friends or family? Knowledge that you LIKE or DISLIKE working from home? A better relationship with your spouse/partner? The chance to do things at home that you might have kept putting off? A new, closer relationship with God or the Universe? Clarity? What gains do you want to retain when things get back to “normal”?
What have you learned?
How to play the bagpipes? A new language? That your spouse or partner really doesn’t like something you love? More about how to get along with people you are close to? More about what makes you tick? More about Love? A new worldview? What do you want to keep on learning?
“As a person of faith, do you see God’s presence or activity in the midst of a pandemic?”
If so, what does God “look like” now that seems different than before? What are the implications or messages for your life?
If not, what’s different? Where has God gone off to? How do you feel about this?
“How has this period of your life challenged your faith?”
You answer this one!
Friends, the Show isn’t over! We are still here, and I believe we’re called to cherish our loved ones more than ever, and to expand the list of who qualifies. May God bless you as we grow in love and light.
— Rev. Dick Weaver currently serves as Supply Pastor for Pilgrim Church