Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Mandy Bradley
Seek
As I turned my thoughts to “Seeking” during this dire pandemic of COVID-19, I realized, ironically, that I am “Seeking” normalcy and change at the same time… along with a whole lot of hope. I am blessed to have a normalcy that is worth seeking. Seeking the light of Christ in the everyday.
One normalcy I seek, is found in the ritual of a daily morning run, (we’re talkin early here!) along the back roads, water ways, and hidden trails of Portsmouth. It definitely is part of my normal. Feeling a connection to God and seeing His brilliance in the sparkles on the water and nature around me is not a normal that COVID, try as it might, could destroy. Relationship with Christ through that run is much stronger than any virus. I find God’s presence in the early sunrise and the quiet streets. God’s grace fills my spirit and I feel the power of His presence as my run turns into prayer. Sunlight, trees, grass, gentle breeze, songbirds and an occasional deer are nature’s ever important reminder of what is authentically “normal”. Thoughts of family members and friends, lyrics of songs and pieces of prayers flow freely with each breath and suddenly a sliver of eternity touches the heart and one believes again in the goodness of God.
The normalcy of a coffee in hand and reading the word of Christ in the quiet of my living room while my wife and two daughters sleep safely at home. That’s a normalcy I seek and graciously find despite the distancing of so many from COVID.
The normalcy now of masked faces matching my own as a sign of caring for each other through this turbulent storm is a new normal I respect.
The sound of my sibling’s voices on the phone is a normalcy I crave. This too has not changed. I recognize that yes, so much has changed as we respect the seriousness of the virus, but that which is essential through positive spirit, family, faith, nature and caring, forever remains.
The seeking of change during COVID comes with the tragedy of racism and systemic oppression that reeks of injustice. Seeking change and giving voice to the reality of those who are not treated fairly is imperative. This is a change worth seeking; worth fighting for in the form of peaceful marches and awareness raising. VOTE! Vote for those who will speak truth to power and admit that we, as part of that system, have to take responsibility for its change. Christ would have us do no less.
The seeking of God’s light is constant, no less than a flower’s lean towards the sun. God is always there – we just need to lean in.
Thankfully, Christ appears even at times when I am not seeking. Despite my shortcomings, Christ seeks me and draws me to His grace, accepting me just as I am.
“Seek and ye shall find” but sometimes, He will find you, even when you are not seeking... and therein lies the hope.