Spare Change - December 2020
Finding Contentment in Spite of Covid Fatigue
Do you have Covid fatigue? It has been a long year and for most of it Covid has been the top concern. Many of us have been worried about it, and rightly so, by now we all know someone that has been greatly affected by this awful virus. I understand there are many opinions about this subject. If you ask 10 people about it you will get 11opinions. I’m not here to argue about the virus or how to handle it, I simply want to discuss the fact that it seems many of us are fatigued.
Recently I have thought back to those early days in March and wish I had a time machine so I could go slap myself for being so naive. I thought this thing would only be here for a few months and then we would all get back to normal; however, as we now know, that is not true. There have been waves of things looking good, then bad, then good again, then really bad, then just plain awful. I don’t think any of us know when this roller coaster will end.
I have bristled at those that kept saying “new normal”, maybe it is just my naivety again. I was hopeful we could return to normal, but now I am not so sure. There was so much to love in the old way, so much certainty. I could make plans, travel, hold events with reckless abandon, and by that I mean without social distancing, masks, hand sanitizer, etc. In one sense the stability was amazing, but it also lulled me into a false sense of security.
This year has caused me to get creative in ministry. I have had to learn and grow in many things, especially digital media. I have had to build new routines and systems for ministry. I have also had to be extremely flexible, especially with volunteers. I never know when someone will call to tell me they are quarantined for two weeks. Covering classes and nurseries has become an Olympic sport.
All of this has taught me to hold on to my plans loosely. Of course I am still making plans. I am planning programs and events, but I also know that things could change. This goes against everything within my type-A personality. It has made me realize what is really important— to depend on the Lord, and look to others for help. I feel like Hawkeye from the TV show MASH, a seasoned, grisled pro only caring about what truly matters and not sweating the small stuff; also trying to find humor in everything as much as possible.
From my perspective, God has been teaching me what contentment looks like. Just like Hawkeye, I also relate to another seasoned pro from the Bible, Paul. Paul is a great example of contentment in difficult situations. I love what he says in Philippians 4:11-13.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
I have learned to be content in ministry. As long as I can still proclaim the gospel, make disciples, teach the Bible, reach out to the community, and encourage the church I am content. How I do it makes no difference, just because it is not the way it has been, doesn’t mean it can’t be God glorifying.
The point is to be content no matter what. We will get through this together and we will hold each other up. When I am down I need you to encourage me, I will do the same for you. If you have a need I must do my best to meet it and likewise if I have a need. This is the time that Christians should thrive. We should not be discouraged because we have a secret weapon, we know the Lord. We can do all things through Jesus because He gives us strength. Jesus is our secret weapon to being content in spite of Covid fatigue. So if you are struggling, turn to Jesus first, then turn to the church. I am here for you! Reach out to me at
. God is good and He will carry us through this season, however long it lasts, even if it lasts much longer than we want.