A year after the Madrid lockdown, I realize I now own more masks than underwear. A humor comparison ensues…
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I can remember exactly where I was when the American space shuttle Columbia exploded in January 1986. I remember perfectly what I was doing when someone told me about that first plane crash on September 11, and of course, I recall all the mourning and shock of watching the entire attack develop before our eyes on TV screens. On a personal level, I can remember phone calls informing me of deaths or dangerous situations for my immediate family members. I know the pain and shock of that one moment that changes everything.
But the Coronacrisis (and yes, I may have coined that word myself) didn’t have such a dramatic point in history, although I would argue that its effects have been much greater. Today is the one-year anniversary of our “state of alarm” which continues to this day in Spain. The world changed, not in a moment, but in a series of decisions.
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Over the last few days of this Semana Santa (Holy Week), I’ve been reading and reflecting on Jesus’ final week before the cross. And I found myself thinking about when Jesus was anointed with burial oils in Bethany. In almost every version of that story, the disciples considered the woman’s actions a WASTE. We’re so quick to call “waste” what God is *still redeeming.* For example, the Bible is very clear about redeeming TIME. I mean, most of us would refer to the past month as wasted time. We’ve been in our homes under quarantine. How is that not a waste? Think about the silent Saturday between the Friday cross and the Sunday resurrection. Was it wasted time? Or did it have a redemptive purpose? Could God have a plan to redeem these weeks of lockdown? This global pandemic?
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Teddy Roosevelt is credited with this famous quote, ”Comparison is the thief of joy.” Never has it been more obvious than in my current circumstances because MY quarantine isn’t YOUR quarantine. I could sit around focusing on so many comparisons, but every one of them would steal another little piece of my joy. Another slice of my contentment. Another bite of my peace.
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Day 22. You’ve probably read a few things about how introverts and extroverts are handling this quarantine. Maybe you’ve even seen some funny videos about your Enneagram type in quarantine. But today I want to talk about a different personality type: the TYPE A people. Because yes, I’m a type A person. I like to feel as though I’ve accomplished several specific, concrete tasks each day, and I really love crossing them off a list. But how can a type A person, who loves to live by a planner, organize days in quarantine where nothing is happening and anything might occur unexpectedly? If you’re like me (or you live with someone who is), here’s what helps!
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We are not in easy days here in Madrid. Even while I was recording this video, I got the message that a good friend and coworker went to be with Jesus. But I have faith and hope in God as my ROCK, and that’s the foundation I’m standing on right now. Thank you for your prayers for me and my ministry here.
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Here we are on DAY THIRTEEN of the Madrid lockdown for the Coronavirus. We’ve almost made it through the initial two weeks that they declared for the “State of Alarm” in Spain. But of course, yesterday they announced that Parliament had officially approved the lockdown for TWO MORE WEEKS. I mean, about 90% of this quarantine so far has been fine: my roommate and I, in our yoga pants, having a grand ol’ time while we clean the house, do work via Zoom meetings, and stay active and engaged with everyone via the internet.
But the other 10% of the time….well…the other 10% of the time is being grouchy. It’s lying in bed in the morning, knowing today stretches out ahead of me full of hours to fill with the same things I did yesterday. It’s hiding my tears of frustration or despair, because they don’t help, and I’m ashamed of my own weakness.
But David gives us the secret in Psalm 13. In only six verses, he goes from “How long, O Lord?” to “He has been good to me.”
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¡Muy buenas! (as we say in Madrid) I made a little video today - this one isn't an update per se, but it IS a message of encouragement during these troubled times. And bonus! 💥 You can always share it with anyone who might need a word like this one today!
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Over the last few days, as the Coronavirus explodes here in Madrid, I have seen countless graphics and statistical models of viruses and rates of contagion. I’ve seen predictions with and without “social distancing.” I’ve seen “projected rates” of exponential proportions, and well… basically, it’s all over my head. I feel even more overwhelmed when I read news reports that use words like “immeasurable” and “incalculable.” I mean...who doesn’t feel a little scared with the figures being thrown at us daily?
But as monumental as all these numbers are, from every source possible, you know what is even greater?
The promises of God. The power of God. The grace of God. Words like “immeasurable” and “incalculable” are in the Bible, too. But they’re not used to scare us into hiding, clutching our toilet paper and Lysol wipes.
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