There is no doubt the current world situation is interesting and has watchful populations living and hoping expectantly for better days.
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Days that see freedoms we have taken for granted returned. Days of scientific success in finding a vaccine. Days when business flourishes and the security of employment returns to normal. Days when the markets offer some comfort for the investor and retiree.
But how do we live in such times?
I am thankful for the invitation to reflect a little on how I spend my time and care for myself which I hope offers some positives to the reader.
Such are the changes that it has provided some scope for review of life and a rethink on ones curriculum for living.
I have struggled with television due to the constant reports of COVID-19, recession and political gloom.
Too much of this is a course for insecurity, anxiety and depression and should be limited to half an hour of news per day.
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Netflix is my turn to television and series like Peaky Binders, Meat Eaters and Heartland reflect my eclectic tastes.
The time also seems apposite to revisit one of my favourites, "The West Wing".
In truth our television watching has been distracted by our increasing jigsaw puzzle addiction and the joy of a shared activity.
My reading has included a visit to a prophet by the name of Jeremiah who in art and literature is described as the "weeping prophet".
It may not seem the happiest of journeys but after drought, fire and pandemic, I thought I would spend some time investigating "lament".
If confronted by the lamentable it is worth understanding the emotions that come with it and to reflect on how you manage yourself through it.
Jeremiah and Lamentations are books in the Old Testament that address real sorrow and the hope beyond sorrow.
To help me in understanding the issues I have been reading a commentary on these Bible books by P.G. Ryken.
So as to not drown in the serious, "The Land Before Avocado" by Richard Glover has been fun and at times a bit of a nostalgic reminder of the age of my youth.
A good read while listening to the Woodstock influenced music of the '70s and '80s, mixed with a violin concerto here and there.
One of the real struggles of isolation is eating and exercise which are significant to one's physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health.
But mental and emotional health are more significant than what you eat and how you play. I leave the cooking to my wife as this is her joy while both of us are walking, riding and thankfully still able to play golf. The occasional Wagyu steak with three veg remains a favourite.
But my overall wellbeing is very much established by where I am planted. To explain, the Bible says:
Blessed is the one...whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers.
The hardiness, productivity and life of a plant is dependent upon what resources it.
If I persist with the image, I have planted my life next to the Word of God, the Bible, and in the person of Jesus Christ who said, "I have come that you may have life and have it to the full."
He is the same person who offered living water that bubbles up to eternal life. In Him is wisdom for understanding the life we live.
In Him is God's forgiveness of all the guilt we carry, and in Him is the promised hope for better days. This is what keep me sane - to know that God is in control even when life bewilders us and that God offers us hope.
That's not to say that I find our current circumstances easy. I work from home so my week days seem little different to normal but as you could imagine my Sundays are very different with churches closed.
The Bible describes the work I do as shepherding. A shepherd without sheep perhaps highlights the struggle for me personally. I love people and to not see them is a great heartache that live streamed services, mobile and zoom conversations don't really satisfy. Humans were made for relationships.
The life of the hermit is not the norm and not to be encouraged and it's a life I don't enjoy. Like many a parent and grandparent I find the distance from our family a bummer. Sorry for that word but couldn't think of a better one.
Of course, difficult times can bring out the best in people. Most people are familiar with Neighbourhood Watch and its attempt to control crime in an area.
Well in the streets around where we live we have put together what we call "Neighbourhood Care".
The intention is to ensure that in the lock down the vulnerable are not neglected. It has been received very positively by neighbours and the delight is in the willingness of people to put themselves out for the care of others.
It has also been encouraging to see people take this unusual time to reassess their values for life, the things of greatest importance. It's been great to see families working together and the absent parent at home and more involved.
Have I learnt anything amid this crisis? Only the fool would not. Life is an education which sometimes forces upon us lessons we'd prefer to avoid. It was the Byrds who made famous the Song "Turn, Turn, Turn" or by another name, "To everything there is a season".
The song's lyrics are taken from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes which speaks of the varied times we encounter living under the sun. We are living in a season which has reminded me of the fragility of our humanity and human endeavour.
It is an educational season that highlights just how small and vulnerable we are and how great is the need for one greater than ourselves to save us.
Sadly I am learning that sin is so deeply engrained in us that even in times like these people still smuggle drugs, domestic abuse continues, our idols remain cherished and the heart of humanity keeps pushing God away.
If I was to offer advice for coping in this crisis I would suggest we take our eyes of self and look to God and neighbour.
Where you are planted is all important. God offers this advice by way of wise command, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbour as you love yourself.
- Rick Lewers is the Anglican Bishop of Armidale
