Rick Meidel
“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Sometimes I enjoy reading letters to the editor in the newspaper or letters to advice columnists. As I shake my head at most of these, reading them makes me feel more normal or maybe even a little more intelligent than I probably am! However, sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised by what I read as I was recently with comments made by someone writing to an advice columnist. It was this person’s perspective (quote):
"People are becoming 'more so' in the current COVID-19 crisis. If they were kind, thoughtful and inclined to be loving before, they are now 'more so'. They are finding ways to help, sharing their time, money and kindness. And those who were angry, scared and suspicious before, are also becoming 'more so'."
I found this to be profound. And I further thought that perhaps we are not one way or the other. I’m energized by activities to engage with our church and its mission. I feel blessed as I mentor and tutor a young boy in Anchorage who’s living with his grandmother, 15 people deep, in a single trailer. I like helping my neighbors. My daughter’s boyfriend is a musician and his work has completely dried up; we’re trying to help. And though it’s been a challenge, I’ve enjoyed getting my 80+ year-old parents comfortable with Zoom (thanks to my niece!), which has helped their loneliness as they stay shuttered inside, back in Illinois, trying to stay safe. All these things combined, I feel good being ‘more so’ in my efforts to do something positive within this COVID-19 pandemic.
But sometimes, I also find myself angry, or at a minimum frustrated, when I find myself in close quarters with people … with some of those people not exhibiting the best of behaviors – like not wearing a mask, or not keeping their distance or coughing in my direction. I’ve called a few people out, which is not my nature. Usually. I can feel my ‘more so’ negativity. I bet you have some ‘more so’ examples, too. Have a discussion about these with family & friends!
The past few months have been rough with layoffs, furloughs, pay cuts, benefit cuts and more. Small businesses, in particular, are hurting. There’s been loneliness and isolation. There are strong opinions and a wide divide about the right way to move forward. And there have been reports of unconscionable behavior in response to perceived overreach or, simply, precaution. Negativity - ‘more so’, unfortunately. But within all this negativity, there are so many more people who quietly, and without fanfare, reach out to others with - whether they know it or not - the fruit of the spirit. They lift others up. They exhibit kindness. They make a difference. They change lives. Positivity - ‘more so’, fortunately!
As our state more fully opens its doors, it’s not going to be easy. There won’t be one right answer. In this awkward period, there are going to be many ‘more so’ opportunities … both positive and negative. My hope is that as collective Christians, we remember - and demonstrate - the fruits of the spirit as outlined by Paul: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, self-control. Even ‘More So’.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6-7
Father, thank you for demonstrating to us, through your Son, what it means for us to live by the fruits of the spirit. In these uncertain times, amidst all of our own anxieties, give us strength and courage to be ‘More So’ as we make the basis of our faith visible to others. May that effort to serve others, and to be uplifting in our actions, result in bringing others into a life-changing relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Rick Meidel, his wife Natalie and daughter Sarah have attended St. John UMC since 2018. Rick can be reached at meidy@me.com or 832-418-9200.