Welp, if you’ve read my last blog you know that I’m now in my second week of quarantine. As I said, Covid is no joke, BUT there have been so many silver linings to this strange time. As a squad we have been praying 24/7 (in 2-6 hour shifts) and if you’ve never blocked out a chunk of time that long to sit with the Lord, I highly recommend it. I’d be lying if I said it was easy, but it has been so worth it, even if I do get distracted by everything in sight. Actually, the Lord has been using everything in sight to reveal to me new ways of seeing Christ in literally E V E R Y T H I N G. Ironically, being quarantined has given me a fresh perspective on the world and how to find Christ in it.
I’ve started reading The Universal Christ by Richard Rhor which has helped open my eyes to the evidence of holiness in all things, living and inanimate. Also Psalm 145 has been key this week – I highly recommend checking out both!
Another piece of literature which has helped open my eyes is a book of poems by Mary Oliver. I’ve been a fan of her work for a few years now, but Amanda Ruth (a girl on the squad I’ve been quarantined with) packed a copy of her devotional, and we’ve gradually made it a habit of starting our days together with a few of her poems. Mary (we are on a first name basis) has a special way of seeing the divine in the ordinary that is simply contagious – in the good kinda way 🙂
Only a few of the many Mary Oliver poems I have found Christ in.
If you really wanna know the ways I am personally seeing the Lord’s holiness in the midst of quarantine, read on folks.
I see him as provider in the way my water bottle seems to be self-filling (but actually my quaranteam is just the most thoughtful and constantly fills it before I get the chance).
I see his playfulness in the neighbor’s dog who sneaks into our room almost every afternoon.
I see his eternal life in the box of 26 hydrangeas I received on my birthday that never seem to wilt.
I see his abundant life in the afternoons Amanda Ruth entertains me by reading me old entries from her “adventure journal”.
I see his creativity in the habit my friends and I have made each evening at sunset, looking to the clouds and discussing the different images we find in them.
I see him as continuous gentle refiner of our hearts in the neighboring roof that’s under construction, which has simultaneously become our playground.
I see him as daily manna for the men on the street below us, lining up each night to enter the homeless shelter on the first floor of this ministry.
I see his joy in lavishing gifts on his children in the jar of Nutella given to our quaranteam from a thoughtful squadmate (also his sweetness in letting me keep my sense of taste throughout Covid.
I see the anchor he is to our souls in the makeshift hammock we tied to our bunk beds, causing them to slide anytime someone is brave enough to try sitting in it.
I see his intentionality in knowing me personally in overhearing a friend’s music I was convinced no one else in this country knew.
I see his heart of adoration to the Father in my squadmate Alex, whose first instinct each morning is to strum the guitar in praise.
I see his mercy for us in the dirty footprints we accidentally left on the ceiling above the top bunk.
I see his heart for individual growth in the incredible blogs my squad is writing about their own encounters with Him (shameless plug, check them out!)
I see his global church in the “How are you feeling?” texts I’ve received from friends and family around the world.
I see him as mischievous and fun-loving provider in our attempt to innovatively make 4 cups of coffee from an 8 ounce French press (biiig water to wine vibes.)
I see his agony on the cross in the covid pains in my chest and I am even more grateful for his choosing to go.
I see his steadiness and consistency as I look out at the metro going over the bridge across the city.
I see him as author of our faith in the little ways my squadmate Cyntya is gradually embracing the gifts and talents he’s so purposefully chosen to give her.
And lastly – but not really lastly because I couldn’t possibly put into words all the ways he has revealed himself to me – I see his humanity in the tears we have each shed over this process, as well as his comfort in the ways we have all leaned on one other through it. Quarantining with people you have known less than a month is a teeeeny bit daunting, but I have found freedom in allowing myself to be known by this group as well as by seeking the Lord’s eyes and heart for them – and in them. He is truly everywhere people, where are you discovering him?
Cyntya and Alex in one of our spontaneous morning worship sessions.
Me and Amanda Ruth constantly trying to stay out of trouble in quarantine.
hi Jesus WOW thank u
Thanks for your prayers and for those of you who have reached out. We should be out of quarantine in a few days!
