Simpler times for an impressionistic mind

God’s grace and goodness is at work within a paradox of chaos and community. Our world— in some ways— is at odds, but we our comforted by a delicately powerful God and a quarantined community of care. We’ve found comfort in quarantine— how unique. The juxtaposition of simpler times and cataclysmic confusion are the beauties of the world we live in and the grace God grants us.

I’ve personally been enamored at the works of our hands (glory be to God). Of course, there are stagnant aspects, like playful posts on social media, political polarization, and some warranted uncertainty, but beyond any negativity I have been in awe of the adaptive nature of people joining together and working quickly to project creative and unique ways of preserving connection. Whether beloved artists hold concerts in their living room and challenge others to keep the streak, the selfless congregating of healthcare workers, or children who find ways to visit a grandparent at a nursing home despite the glass separating their touch, or mass FaceTime calls among friends, or churches that take a virtual approach to learning about Jesus while still preserving the community aspect, the ways our world has adapted and grown in the last few weeks have humbled me.

I’ve never been one for community— I’m not against it, I’m just not good at it. But I have never felt more urged to pour into community or more impressed (and a little envious) by those who do it so well. I have felt inspired, encouraged, challenged, and, despite the tragedy, thankful. I’m not sure how a period of chaos and confusion, which brought the emergence of current technology and quick thinking has also brought a feeling of reprieve and a notion of simpler times, but I do know the Lord’s hand is granting us the good despite the bad, the growth despite the calamity.