Matthew 5:13-16
Being Salt and Light in a Pandemic
I used to say that only one thing is certain – things are going to change. And that’s never been more true than today. Constant change and uncertainty are the daily reality. When we watch the news as experts speculate about who’s right or who’s wrong and what’s next in the pandemic (even though no one really knows), it can cause even more anxiety about what’s around the corner. Senator James Lankford said recently, “If you think everyone’s guessing, it’s because everyone is guessing. We’re all going through this together trying to be able to figure out what is the best way to be able to protect the health and safety of individuals and also the long-term future of our nation and of our families.”
While, to a person, we may have never been more vulnerable, vulnerability can be a good thing. Vulnerability gives us the opportunity of being salt and light in a pandemic.
Change is Always Challenging
Change is always challenging, even in the best of times, but there is now an opportunity to examine our lives closely for what’s really important. E. Stanley Jones said, “You can judge how far you have risen in the scale of life by asking one question: ‘How wisely and how deeply do I care?’”
Ask yourself, “What do I really miss in this crazy time?” “Who and what do I really care about?” “What experiences with whom do I now realize I’ve been taking for granted?” As we gain newfound clarity in our lives, there is opportunity, especially in our workplace.
Don’t Miss the Opportunity
As we begin to transition back to “normal”, take the opportunities to let the people close to you know what you’re thinking and what you’ve learned about yourself. As you come back together with others who have been teleworking, tell them what you’ve missed, what you appreciate about them, and about your job. Tell the people on your team specifically what you appreciate about them, what you don’t do as well without them, or what you miss when they’re not there. In other words, speak from your heart! These conversations might be with your peers, your direct reports, your supervisor, or your family. Don’t miss the opportunity to let others know how you really feel.
Being Present
Being present with others is simply being alert – being aware of what is taking place around me so I can respond appropriately. For some of us (like me), it takes intentional alertness to be more aware of the people in my life, what they do for me, and what I can do for them if I just listen and understand…..if I choose to be present. This week pause to acknowledge your and your co-workers’ and family members’ perseverance during the unprecedented challenges that have been faced over the past several weeks. Consider the following questions:
- How have you benefited from having had this experience; what have you gained in knowledge, perspective, or appreciation?
- How have you been confronted by this challenge? What has emerged to be addressed in your life?
A Unique Time
This is a unique time. When we face challenges, fear, anxiety, and hardships, we see life more clearly; we see what is important and what isn’t. People are more open to spiritual conversations. They’re more willing to listen to others who are there for them, who will listen and understand their fears, their anxieties, their newfound clarity. Take the opportunity to be real with one another, to be a little vulnerable, to let a few more people get to know you, and to get to know a few more people a little better. Don’t miss the opportunity of being salt and light during this pandemic.
There has never been a better time to Pray, Appreciate People, Know What You Believe, Serve Others, and Speak For Yourself!
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
