"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he save us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure. i desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone."
Titus 3:4-8
There is a phrase that is shaping our community, nation, and world right now; social distancing. It can feel more like isolation than distancing. I'm sitting alone in my office, in a building usually noisy and full of students, empty and silent. Distance and isolation are counter intuitive to what it means to live in the way of Jesus. It is the opposite of the incarnation, I get it. It doesn't feel right or even good, though in the time we find ourselves in, necessary. So I've been processing what is right, good, and appropriate.
For the sake of our neighbor and the most vulnerable, we need to participate in social distancing. Take care of yourself and those you love. Stay home if you can. When you do work, appropriately separate yourself from others. Wash your hands. Stay away from large gatherings. Do what you can, what is appropriate.
Yesterday I was walking around our campus and ran into an old friend who was picking up his daughter to take her home. His family had gathered Regan's things, and they were heading home for the summer. It was eery, odd, weird. I looked at Regan who was emotional asking her if I could give you a hug? And we did. I know it was risky, but I felt in that moment she needed a hug, that it was appropriate. So we did. Then her dad prayed for me, for us all, and they left.
I'm not hugging everyone I see. It was what I felt appropriate in the moment. But there are other ways to close the distance we practice that aren't as risky, yet just as appropriate.
I went to Meijer to get some essentials later in the day and I thanked the employee helping me check out. I thanked her for coming to work during a time when risk is tremendously heightened for her. As I thanked her, she started crying, thanking me for being kind to her. She said it was rare these days. I was reminded that kindness is never risky and always appropriate.
I told her I was sorry, and really grateful for the work she is doing for our community. She said thank you, and I walked away. Our encounter didn't last 30 seconds, but I can't shake the look in her eyes. After that brief encounter, I was reminded of the power of a word, and how kindness matters. As risky as the hug may have been, kindness is never risky. It's always the right thing to do.
I'm wondering if in the midst of a very difficult time what could happen if we all practiced kindness. In a time when hugs are risky and maybe not appropriate, kindness carries no risk, and is always appropriate. It is the right way to live, shaped in the heart of Jesus passed on to us. We can be kind because God through Jesus has been kind to us and it is the way Jesus is inviting us to live.
So absolutely, be smart. Be wise. Do what the authorities are telling us. But along the way, don't forget to be kind.
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