My spiritual director recently shared a story with me about Julian of Norwich. Julian was an ancient Christian mystic who lived through two rounds of the Black Death plague. The first round killed up to 60% of the population, and the 2nd round killed another 20% of the population. And after the second round had nearly passed she said these words (paraphrased):
“Things are getting back to normal now in fits and waves…but if the plague has taught us anything…you wouldn’t know it by looking around.”
I wonder what the Black Death was meant to teach the people of Julian’s time? I wonder what the pandemic was meant to teach the people of our time? I wonder if we are at risk of missing this wisdom as we rush to re-engage life as it was?
I pray that you may have eyes to see both the places of life and the places of your limits today. I pray that God might be your guide as you reshuffle, re-build, and re-engage in life today. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. — Colossians 1:16-17
So as the world opens back up, let us be aware of the loud voice that says, “Hurry now, get back to your old life and get busy building it back up….pick the next new shiny thing and hustle now to get it.” Instead, let us be people who are wiser for what we have seen. Let us be people who remember our limits, who remember that we are not little gods of our own kingdoms. We are citizens of the strong and unshakable kingdom of God; and we are the sheep in that kingdom, in need of our great shepherd to guide us each step of the way.
Grace & Peace in Christ to you today.
Susie Grade 