Which are you, half full or half empty? I have been blessed with the opportunity, each and every day, to have the time for reading, meditation and prayer. Being a full-time pastor allows me this opportunity. While raising three children I would be gone at least 10 hours a day working in the world, and then come home and have pastoral issues that needed attention. So, my parent-spouse time was limited. I did all right with balancing work and church responsibilities, but my personal growth and family time suffered.
In this new experience, this new normal, we have a great opportunity to connect with our loved ones. For the sport junkies it is a time of withdrawal; unless you are dragging out old highlight videos. It is above my pay grade to say that the almighty has done this to get our attention in such matters, but boy is it ever a great time to develop our family dynamics. Many times in life, it is the uncomfortable and the challenging things that demand we change or reassess things.
So, what are the opportunities. I have encouraged the congregation to begin daily reading in their Bibles. We are asking that we stay connected by calling, texting, emailing, and reaching out and asking if others need help. But most importantly is that their homes become or remain a safe place. Talk to you kids. Pray with your spouse. Turn off the news and love your neighbor.
I urge us all not to waste this time. Honesty demands that we admit our falling short in our relationships. I know I have at times neglected the most important people in my life in the guise of feeding my family or serving God. Tell someone today that you love them, and then sit-down talk about life. God will always do His part, now we need to make sure we do ours. Prayer works.
Pastor Steve Leppert
Church of the Nazarene, Cordova
