It’s Saturday Night
Saturday night is not normally a time when one is worn out. Saturday is supposed to be a leisurely day after finishing the week and looking forward to Sunday and the joy of Worship (that is what you do, right?).
Well, not this Saturday. The Pastor conscripted one of the Deacons in our Church, and me, to prepare for our return to the auditorium. We can have 50% capacity, and we only have to maintain 6 feet between each person. We were told to mark off the pews, set the chairs, figure the angles, make it clear which seats could be used and which could not, skipping every other row, and making sure there were seats together for couples, families of more than two, and single individuals. Uh Huh!
I am worn slap out. The math was tough enough. . .do you know how many people can sit in a 21 foot pew if you give each person 18 inches (some won’t fit) and keep them six feet apart? Well, the answer is three or four depending on whether there are two couples or all singles. The reality is more space goes to waste than one can imagine – until you try it. We measured, taped, marked the singles and doubles, deleted access to half the pews. . .whew!
Here’s the deal! I have never before wanted so badly to just get close to some member of our congregation. I realize that for weeks (months?) now, I have been standing 6 feet (give or take a few feet) from people that I llove dearly. No handshakes, no hugs, no pats on the back, no FUN carrying out the actions of LLOVE.
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples – if you have llove for one another.” John 13:35
The truth is, the Truth is hard to come by these days when it comes to physical relationships. No touching, no hugging, just the passing “great to see you.” Now, neither you nor I want to operate this way, right? Am I right? We need to get this pandemic nonsense over and done with and get back to lloving one another. Not just in words but in deeds. I know there is no question that there are a plethora of “deeds” out there, but the deed of hugging someone who needs a hug, or a pat on the back for one who needs encouragement, a healthy handshake for new folks we meet along the way, just holding someone whose life is coming apart, a “holy” kiss if appropriate, is vital, needed, mandatory, and never really forgotten.
So, wear your mask, keep your distance, wash those hands, avoid suspect surfaces, and let’s agree to put this thing to bed forever. Follow the rules. Ask Our Father to intervene. Don’t lose sight of the reality that we need each other. . .and we need the closeness of each other in this difficult World. If it’s True. . .shout it from the housetops – I LLOVE YOU!! Find a way to reach out with violating the rules. We are nearing the goal. Don’t lose it now. BE SAFE!!