We are living in a crazy time. Over the last few days we have found ourselves facing a pandemic. People are reacting in fear and anxiety. They are hearing conflicting stories. They are confused. They are searching for peace and something sure in an unsure world.

And, in the midst of it all, we have isolated ourselves – social distancing – which can cause more anxiety and fear in those that are watching the news unfold via social media and t.v.

I guess I’m a little weird. I see potential for serious growth right now!

I view this time of social distancing as a time to reflect. Our church is not meeting in a building for the next several weeks. This gives me the chance to focus on ways to be the church outside the walls, which is ironically, what was always intended.

It gives me time to reflect on creative ways to share my faith. Something I should have been doing all along. (Paul is a great example. Socially distanced in prison, yet he spends much time encouraging others in the faith!)

It gives me time to reflect on ways that I have failed and how to improve.

It gives me time to reflect on the people that mean the most to me. Have I told them recently? Have I taken the time to make them know they are appreciated and loved? Suddenly, when I can’t see them, I realize how special they are to me. I will be finding ways to let them know and hopefully start a new pattern of appreciation in my life.

It gives me time to reflect on what I feel called to do. Have I pursued it? Have I offered myself fully to God to be used up for Him? Why not? What is in the way?

With everything on hold, life is vastly different. This pause is needful. Even in the short amount of time we have experienced it, mere days, I am amazed at how imposed silence and rest have pulled me back to the Creator. It has brought me to the realization that in the chaos of daily life, His voice can get muffled. It can get overrun. BUT…when silence and stillness are present, when chaos is stilled, when focus is restored, we can still hear Him. He never left. I just got distracted.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary , you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even thought tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7