Smaller World

1/9/2022

Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day draw near." ESV

A little over ten years ago, my world had shrunk to the size of my house. I stopped going out and interacting with people outside my family, and  barely even with them. Truth be told, my world had become so minuscule that I was truly living alone in my fear mind. It was a place of such sadness and loneliness that, after I recovered, I vowed never to go again. Then in 2020, COVID-19 hit the world with a mighty force. 

As I was preparing to watch my church's online service this morning, it hit me how small my world has become once again. I have not seen my family or friends in a long time. The only place I ever go is to work, and there I am alone most of the day as well. My husband does most of the grocery shopping. I even did 95% of my Christmas shopping online.
As the service started this morning I thought about the two times my husband and I ventured back in person before Delta surged, with Omicron looming on the horizon. It had been so long that some people did not recognize me with my grown out hair and my masked face. It had felt so wonderful to be gathered with fellow believers in worship. 

Then this morning Pastor Dan was taking about the continued difficulty the Elders have trying to serve the congregation in this unusual time. He then quoted fellow Pastor Brad, who said, "Sometimes, when things don't go right, all we need is God's people and God's Word." Powerful words indeed. Pastor Dan went on to preach about the importance of being in God's word, which was a wonderful message as always.

What struck me, though, was the part of Pastor Brad's quote about needing God's people. That is where my lack is right now. I have been almost completely outside of fellowship for almost two years. My family had been an active part of this warm and loving body of believers, and then locked ourselves in our non-Covid fortress waiting for the enemy to pass by. The truth is, this microscopic enemy is not passing by and probably never will. My world is small again even though I pledged to never let it be.

So, now what? I am in my Bible and in prayer daily. Those areas of my life, thankfully, have increased since Covid, but what about that other important part of being a believer, the one where we are ministering to each other in fellowship? Is my caution around this evil little monster going to continue keeping me and my family away from our Christian brothers and sister much longer? I am certainly mourning time lost with those dear to me. Is it time to release this all into God's hands? 

I miss my tribe.

Note: This comment was so loving and lifted my weary soul to the sky. I wanted to share it because there is not just truth there for me, and Mrs Groh, but for us all. The more we reach out, read God's word, and connect in any way we are battling back the evil one with Holy Spirit power! Thank you, Mrs Groh, for your encouragement and your support. I am truly grateful for you every day. You keep on doing the the work of the Lord as well with all your faith, energy, compassion, kindness, and love. Like you said, "HE KNOWS." Love you too. 

MRS. GROH 5B commented on "Smaller World"

Yesterday

Lehann although the world is feeling small again, you are not shut off and secluded like you were 10 years ago. You have answered a call and with your blog you are reaching others. It may not be the physical feel or connection like we all need but rest assured you have a voice in a world that needs more of Jesus' message. I miss going to mass but I'm not ready to go back yet. I felt such joy being back but again I am not going now. The Evil One is at work, but think about how you said your faith has never been stronger and deeper because of Covid, THAT"S A BLESSING. 

*Read the rest of these beautiful words under the comment section.