Faith in a Time of Pandemic – The Bigger Picture

XXXVI.
(4/18)
SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE

“Think on these things, whatever is honest, pure, and lovely.” (Philippians 4:8)

This morning I got ticked off as I was taking my sunrise walk on the Craigville beaches. At the edge of the parking lot, a visitor, no doubt practicing their own form of physical distancing, had left a
of empty Blue Moon Pale Belgium Ale. For a moment, I couldn’t imagine what sort of lowlife would desecrate this beautiful place by such willful thoughtlessness. Then, I looked out to sea and saw the shimmering waves, an osprey in flight, and felt the sun on my face. The detritus was still there, but now it wasn’t the only reality I experienced. The foolish act of a thoughtless person (my judgment) was part of a larger story of our glorious planet and people who go out each day to ensure we are healthy and safe.

Paul says “think on these things” – the pure, beautiful, and holy. Now, Paul isn’t denying life’s challenges. He is in prison, after all, a pilgrim and traveler confined by Roman authorities. His future is uncertain – will he be acquitted or executed? But he looks beyond the trials he’s experiencing to affirm God’s love for him and the Philippian community.

As I pondered the litter, I was reminded of the saying from Fred Rogers – Mr. Rogers – “Look for the helpers. You can always find people who are helping.” Most people are responsible and trying to do the right thing. Millions of people are turning to the better angels of their nature rather than succumbing to incivility, bullying, and irresponsibility.

On my drive home, my heart was warmed as I saw hearts on the front porch of a Centerville house. Hearts placarded with: “thank you, doctors,” “thank you, nurses,” “thank you, teachers,” “thank you, first responders.” And, we can add, store clerks, truck drivers, farmers and farm workers, USPS letter carriers and other delivery persons, bank tellers, food stockers, and so many more.

Let’s look at the big picture of a beautiful planet, filled with people who are compassionate, caring, and responsible; give thanks, and then do our part whether sheltering at home or out in the community at work.

Take time today to focus on the wonders of life, the decency of people, the immensity of the universe. Do your best not to binge watch pandemic news. Fill your senses with beauty and your heart with love.
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Thank you, Loving God, for creating a world of beauty and love. Let love be my goal. Let me look beyond the detritus, knowing that it exists, but also knowing that there is more to life than pandemic and irresponsibility. There is love, sacrifice, compassion, and commitment. Let me be among the helpers, blessing the earth, wherever I find myself. Amen.

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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC and GOD ONLINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET.