The end of this week will mark the fourth week of our shelter-in-place. I must say that I am very impressed with the resolve of most of the people to whom I speak. People are forging ahead, they are intentional about accomplishing what they can, and still seeking to honor the social distancing guidelines. Yet, a few chinks in the armor are beginning to show in us all.
How long will this last?
When will we be able to get back into our churches and businesses?
When can we get back to work?
How will “The Next Normal” begin to play out?
Like I said, the resolve is quite impressive, but something like this does wear on the emotions.
In the midst of uncertainty, we need to keep our eyes on the main thing. When I was a kid who loved to play baseball, my dad would encourage me to “keep my eye on the ball.” I suppose I tended to see the ball after it left the pitcher’s hand and yet, fail to track it all the way to the plate. The result was swinging at air, well before or after the ball had passed me, missing the “opportunity.”
Right now, I want to encourage us to “keep our eyes on the ball.” The next 2 weeks, or 4 months are not the goal. Coming out of quarantine is not the goal. Opening the economy is not the goal.
Paul sets a great example of priorities as he sits in prison. In the book of Philippians, he writes of his intentions:
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of ityet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
His mindset is not, “When can I get out of this place?” or, “How long will this last?” His focus is Christlikeness.
As Christians, we think in the long term, like, in the eternal. Let’s take care of ourselves, and press on… however long this may last. This is, after all, part of the journey He has us on. Let us not fail to seize this opportunity, and keep our eyes upon the ball.
May God be with us.
Pastor Kelly /‘.’\
TheShepherdsPen@iCloud.com
