Is everything going to be ok?

That depends.

If we mean, “Is everything going to be the way it was and the way I expected it to be?” then the answer is no. The answer to that question is always no, it always has been.

If we mean, “Is everything going to be the way it is going to be?” then the answer is yes. Of course. If we define whatever happens as okay, then everything will be.

Given that everything is going to be the way it’s going to be, we’re left with an actually useful and productive question instead: “What are you going to do about it?”
(Seth Godin, March 26, 2020)

“This is not how we thought it would be.”  Sometimes I wonder if this is what the disciples thought when Jesus told them it was time to go to Jerusalem, and that it could be his last trip.  I wonder if one or more of them thought, “this is not the way I thought it would be” when they shared a meal in what tradition calls an upper room and the Last Supper.

We find ourselves in a similar place this year.  This is not how we thought spring break, Holy week, Easter, or senior year would be.  And yet, here we are, sheltered-in-place.  What are you noticing?  As I listen I’ve heard: lament, complaint, it’s unfair, gratitude, fear, more fear, anxiety, connection, community, and courage.  What have you heard?

The news notes the work of nurses, doctors, and first responders.  I hear youth ministers talk of Zoom youth group, Instagram youth group, and ministers learning skills and being creative.  I hear the importance of intentional Christian community, but it is not going to be like it was before.  What to do?

During this time of shelter-in-place, I finally saw “Frozen II”.  It’s a coming of age film as we learn the backstory of Anna, Elsa, and the kingdom of Arendelle.  A bit of the dialogue and one of the songs fits our time.  “The Next Right Thing.” Actually, it fits every day, and is a good foundation for all the days ahead.  But, knowing the next right thing to do can be difficult.  There is a lot of noise and information fighting for your attention.  What will you give your attention or grant access to your thinking, feeling, self?  I think that is what Lent is supposed to be about.  Self reflection and evaluation of what you’ve granted your attention, or given over your attention to each day. Your attention is valuable.  Just look at all the ads: Facebook, TV, Youtube, Instagram, Radio, Print, or New coverage that you wade through each day.

Maybe that is the what the parables of Jesus are doing. Altering your attention.  Good stories, art, and music can do that.  Christian tradition has focused a salvation story on Easter, and backed into Good Friday, Maundy Thursday, Holy week, and Christmas. There is something about Jesus of Nazareth and the good news of God that Jesus proclaimed that always draws attention.  Is it other before self, community, the character of God, or something else?

Jesus’ story is about to come to an end, but the way he lived and the good news of God that Jesus proclaimed is as relevant today as it was in his time.  If you are willing to give it your attention, Jesus’ way and that good news begins anew in you each day.

Do the right thing.  If that’s too big, just do the next right thing.

Rev Michael Davison, Associate Regional Minister