This: Today marks the half way point of Lent, the twentieth day of our countdown to Easter. It has been a season unlike any I’ve known since I began observing it some forty odd years ago. We United Methodists embrace the significance of this period of preparation for Resurrection Sunday, much like our Catholic brethren. In the past this has been a time of denial of some kind – fasting (something I’ve yet to master), giving up some leisure activity or favorite food, studying a 40 day devotional with others of like mind, taking on something that requires a sacrifice – but Lent 2020 has a totally different flavor. With the coronavirus striking at about the same time Lent began, our usual Lenten practices and activities have been interrupted or disrupted. Advised to practice “social distancing,” (We can coin at the proverbial “drop of a hat” phrases to describe the latest cultural trend), we find ourselves more physically isolated this Lenten season, more dependent upon virtual contact via our smartphones and tablets with their apps like Zoom; and the latest in electronic contact, our portals and live streaming on those devices as well as our televisions. We find ourselves calling, emailing and text messaging more to connect and keep in touch. Erased from this season are the rituals that always defined it: children’s Easter program rehearsals, more choir practices, Easter egg hunts, in- store shopping for frilly dresses, patent leather Mary Janes and seersucker suits and bow ties, Easter brunch reservations at favorite restaurants or hotels, and of course, Spring Break. No need for that ritual of youth-schools are closed anyway. An interruption on a grand scale pushes us into a new normal during this most sacred of Christian seasons. The faithful are called to prayer and reflection as we watch and wait to see what the Lord is doing. Whatever it is, we are confident it will be for His glory and our good.
That: I kept my hair appointment this morning. Though many are having second thoughts about doing so, I decided as long as there were the usual two to three women there, it would be fine. Only one other client “shared the air” for most of the visit (thankfully I have such short hair, it takes only an hour to do the do}; I was finished by the time a couple more came in. I was not disappointed during my visit. If nothing else, you can count on the talk of the shop for bizarre thinking (someone’s brother proffers that the man who would be president created COVID-19 just so he can be credited for the cure which he has already); for the latest gossip; and sometimes for the wisdom that falls to those to whom God grants longevity. A sister septuagenarian proclaimed there is no way she’s not getting her hair done even if they say older people should stay at home. Her comment worth mentioning: ” God’s got me. If the virus is gonna get me, girl, my hair still has to be looking good.” Of course we all laughed. As I think about it now, it’s not her literal comment that has relevance, but the underlying statement of faith I heard in it. God is in control. Even if He doesn’t protect her from the virus, He is still in control and she’s going to look her best no matter what. I think the Lord is okay with that – wanting to be our best for Him, virus or no.
Love. Joy. Peace.
I especially loved this writing today. I had just had a similar conversation with my adult children. They do not/did not want me to leave the house for my hair appointment nor nail appointment.
I agree with the lady in your salon that I want to look my best as I do the work of The Lord.
Thank you.
They often forget you didn’t get to this season without acquiring a lil bit of wisdom. They do it from a spirit of love though. The thought that something may happen to you is more than they can fathom. Thanks for following my blog.