As we continue to reevaluate our lives, our values under deep assessment, it’s tempting to yield to “end of the world” thoughts. Not only is the world shut down but so is life as we’ve known it. Many of us feel lost without the former parameters of social, physical, emotional, and spiritual markers that gave our lives context and meaning. Then we look outward via the internet and see Yemen about to implode, South Sudan and East Africa besieged by billions of crop destroying locusts, multilateral aid agencies warning that huge famine is closing in, and reports that the world economy may never achieve its former strength, and we wonder… are we nearing the “End”?

I think we would do ourselves a favour in this bleak hour to remember that even though calamity on a worldwide scale is new to us it’s not new to history. Just last century our world reeled from not one but two World Wars, countless regional conflicts, and yes, a pandemic-the Spanish Flu. We took the blows, suffered for a while, then got back onto our feet.

We will do so again.

In other words there is hope. And faith. Soldier on!

You’re reading this in self isolation and I’m writing in similar circumstances. We’re all in lockdown. Who knew?

Well, not to be trite, but the Lord knew. Indeed, he knows. Covid-19 is no surprise to him. And we know that his omniscience informs his sovereignty- he is Lord of every situation.

I think there will be a renewal of spirit all over the world as we re-examine our values and priorities. As many freedoms are currently lost to us – like freedom of movement for example- we may rediscover the freedom of spirit that emerges with reading, prayer, and lengthy talks (via social media) with loved friends and relatives. This enforced sabbatical may “recreate” us.

Some of you (I hope!) are reading excerpts from Cantelon’s Casual Commentary here on the site. Writing it is a joy, although labour intensive. It’s also a touch revelatory. You’d think that after 50 years of pastoring I’d know a thing or two about the Bible. Yes I do, but only a little

None of us are unaware of the rapid spread of the corona virus around the world. It’s a threat to all of us, even as the epicentre of the critical mass of affected persons is still its country of origin. The nations of the world are on high alert and proactive measures are escalating.

Blame, of course, is also escalating. As is blame-shifting.

Pointing the finger is always counterproductive. It solves nothing but tends to create polarities. The first reflex on the part of the accused is defensive. Accusations are counter-punched. Vitriol bounces back and forth like a tennis ball.

The genius of forgiveness is that it allows for a level playing field. “Our culture”-“Their culture” comparisons are neutralized by “There but for the grace of God go I”.

The milk has been spilt. Let’s clean it up together.

I was watching a TV documentary recently where there was a study on “finding happiness” through group dynamics. In other words, leaving all screens behind and simply fellowshipping face to face with flesh and blood human beings was the road to happiness. What a concept!

One of the significant benefits of this kind of intentional interaction is the resulting sense of belonging. In this social media era we have never been more connected and more isolated. We’re lonely!

One proven place of belonging is a local church. Not all are the same , of course, but most not only meet on a weekly basis but they care. When you’re cared for, loneliness is mitigated and purpose begins to rise. Why? Because in being cared for we naturally become caregivers ourselves. We suddenly have a sensitivity to the needs of others. We become active rather than passive.

Ultimately meaning, purpose, and fulfillment  are inextricably tied to loving others. What’s more, if our actions are motivated by love for God, He fills the heart with joy.

I was just remembering a conversation I had a while back with someone who was always anxious. It was a lifelong burden.

Pretty much everything in his life was seen through a worst case scenario lens. And, of course, one can view almost anything in terms of what might go wrong.

Worry is the father of fear. And fear paralyzes. It fosters a risk-averse approach to life, which in turn produces uneventful and boring living, leading to overall dissatisfaction and negativity.

I saw an Instagram post the other day: “ Fear is faith that it won’t work out”. Insightful.

So why borrow trouble from the future? “Carpe diem”!

I drove past a prominent fitness facility recently and thought about the rush to membership that always accompanies the new year with its resolutions to get in shape. By February or March these born again fitness seekers will be supporting the facility with their year-long memberships but not participating. It is ever thus…

Reminds me of leadership books, seminars, and courses. Seems everyone wants to be a leader, but few truly lead. Indeed if everyone is a leader, who follows?

Ultimately leadership is something one does. It’s “caught, not taught”. A leader simply gets into the fray and says,” Let’s go!”

Indeed, the world’s leaders are those who just show up. They learn by doing and inspire their neighbors. They take the hits and, as the Scottish poet Robbie Burns put it, “lay me down and bleed awhile, then get up and fight some more”. And they live with that knot in their stomach that witnesses to the push-back they get from the non-leaders who want things to remain as they were. For sure, leaders pay a price, but the fulfilment is worth it.