Looking at Life Differently
It’s Sunday morning and a perfect day for a great cup of coffee and a few errands. I ordered my coffee on an app, so I just needed to run in to pick it up - but when I arrived - there were so many cars in the drive thru and people ordering or waiting for orders. Everyone had masks on so it was difficult to read the room. Were people happy to just be out, anticipating a delicious drink or pastry? Were they impatient and ready to insist on service? As I watched, a man came in and stood near me. He looked like he had just come from the beach, surfing or paddle-boarding and was humming. He leaned over and said, “This place is always busy and for over a week now I haven’t been able to get my favorite chai…it’s just been held up somewhere. I am looking forward to when Covid is just a memory.” I agreed and then he said, “ This last year has really taught me a few things. I am more patient and understanding. I try to lift peoples’ moods now and not stress over things I can’t control. It’s been alright.”
I took a good long look at him. I was touched by his words. I chatted with him a little more and then my order was up. I thanked him as I left and he gave me the peace sign.
I believe in the goodness of people. I believe people are doing the best they can. I believe we can be transformed by this experience we are sharing with the world right now too. I have been asking myself how I have been transformed and this is my little list:
I really understand just how fragile life is and how much I love living.
I realize that Covid 19 doesn’t care about people, it is just a germ, a disease that is trying to take care of itself and has wreaked havoc in it’s pursuit of life.
I have become a better listener - people need to talk abut what’s happening in their lives and find a way to make sense of it or just to hear they are not alone
A fierce love of my family has emerged - oh I loved them all before, but this fierceness is born of protectiveness, worry, fear, hope, prayer and lament.
I have always been a strategist and innovator when it comes to responding to needs - I have been praying and searching, listening and reading to see where my gifts might meet the needs of the world now and in the coming days. I want to do something.
Because I have more time on my hands - I have had time to reflect a bit on what people say and what I say. Words mean a lot to me and I have been contemplating their power. I want to be a person who uses words well and for good.
I miss gathering and cooking, hosting parties and meetings, conferences and workshops. It’s been a bit tricky for me to find ways to serve that are not my usual. It’s been very good.
It has hit me almost every day for the past year that I am not alone. God knows my heart, your heart and everything that we are going through. He has plans for our good and my trust has grow exponentially even when I didn’t know it could.
I have been gifted with opportunities to learn, grow, study, speak, create and coach this past year - it has been full, tough, challenging, powerful and life-changing.
I made new friends. I am amazed at that - not just the kind you see once in a while and exchange hellos with. But kindred spirits who have enriched my life. My cup is full.
I ask you to make your list today. What have you learned and experienced this past year and how have you been transformed. We’d love to hear your stories too. So if you can, join Ministry Blueprints on Thursday January 29th at 11:00 central for a story hour! Take an early lunch, a late breakfast or a coffee break and plan to be a part of the conversation. There will be door prizes of course and a chance to make new friends.
Peace,
Jane Angha
