Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. ~Philippians 2:3

On a recent trip to the grocery store, I found myself being mindful…not only of “social distancing”, but also of the general mood of the store.

Let’s be honest, things just feel different.

The grocery seems quiet…almost eerily quiet. Background noises are reduced to the sounds of carts and PA announcements. I’ve noticed the absence of typical store elevator music. I have noticed the absence of the typical “buzz” of families, customers and staff interacting.

People are definitely more focused. While we seem to be focused on our task at hand, it also appears that we are noticing one another more…mostly in order to stay out on one another’s path. But, at least we are taking notice of the presence of our neighbor.

On this trip, I was wearing my Death Wish Coffee Company bandana as a makeshift mask. I find that the skull and crossbones are intimidating and motivate others to keep their distance. If I had been thinking, I would have worn a Harley Davidson hat and jacket. With that, people would have thought I was some rough and tough biker dude. Those who know me, well…

What I noticed were people’s eyes. I thought it might be difficult to read the mood of the room while the majority of shoppers were covering their faces. However, our eyes can tell a story. While I could not tell if people were smiling or frowning, I could get a sense of joy or burden, calm or chaos, peace or anxiety, fear or strength just by observing my neighbors eyes. To be honest, I’ve not been that observant in the past.

As I made my way to the checkout line, the power went out. My first thought was, “Now what?” Shortly after the initial darkness, the backup generator kicked in and the even number lanes opened to serve customers.

The lane I had been standing in (9) closed and the cashier asked everyone to move over to lane 8. As we were making our way over, a woman who had not been in the previous line, rushed to the front.

The young cashier (I know she was young because she had to have a coworker scan the “communion elements” for the adult members of our family!), said to the woman, “Excuse me ma’am, these folks were ahead of you.”

The woman basically ignored her as the cashier spoke to the gentleman who had been at the front of the line, “Sir, would you like to make your way to the front.” The man calmly said, “That’s okay. She can go first. She’s obviously in a hurry.”

The woman offered no apology, no signs of remorse, no attempt to play it off as not paying attention, no offer to move to her appropriate place in line…Just a self-righteous, “get out of my way, I’m more important than you” attitude.

I found myself being proud of the gentleman in front of me. He could have made a scene. However, he made the decision to extend a bit of grace.

We’re all in this together. Maybe this time serves as an invitation to slow down and recognize what truly matters? Maybe this is a time to take the words of Philippians 2 seriously – to consider others as better than ourselves?

I recognize that maybe the woman was in a hurry because she just wanted to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible. Maybe her fear, rather than selfishness, is what really drove her to disregard those around her.

I hope that as we continue in this “new normal”, we all will be more like the gentleman who extended a bit of grace and less like the self-involved woman who was only looking out for number one. We’re in this together…and we are better together.

I had stepped away from blogging for quite some time. The last post on this page was dated in 2018, when I had briefly used this old site as a place to collect thoughts and prayers.

However, I’ve decided to renew my use of the “Tuesdays with Morris” page. Who knows what that will mean?

What I can say is, these are strange days!

In this time of “social distancing”, our “new normal” is far from “normal”!

This week is Holy Week. I can honestly say that this is the most bizarre Holy Week I’ve encountered. Figuring out how to offer meaningful gatherings online has presented a new challenge.

Yet, I welcome this challenge.

You see, I am one who has long believed the Church needs to be challenged to find new ways to present the message. It’s that old adage of finding new methods to present the message.

Consultants have been saying for a long time, “we need to find a new way to be the Church.”

Well, the time is now! We really do not have the option to just “keep doing what we’ve always done.”

Many of my colleagues are venturing into the world of online church for the first time. Some who have already been offering online options have expanded those options. Some of my colleagues are currently offering daily Bible study and prayer times. Some colleagues are trying to offer hip, slick, and high-tech options. Some are just trying to figure out how to use their web cam!

My hope is that these new online offerings will continue once things “get back to normal”. The reality is, I don’t know what “normal” will look like post-Covid.

However, whatever “new” things churches and pastors are offering during this time, don’t let that fall off when we are able to gather in person. We are discovering new ways to “be” and “do” church…and we shouldn’t stop.

Uniting God,

Ephesians 4:3 reminds us to “make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties us together.” As I read and meditate upon this verse, I find myself asking, “Am I making an effort to preserve unity? Am I working for or against peace?”

God, in those moments where I am tempted to jump into the divisive rhetoric that is deeply dividing the denomination of love and serve through, help me to step back and ask if what I’m adding to the conversation is helpful or hurtful.

God, in those moments when I am tempted to engage in divisive debates that are deeply dividing the nation I love and live in, help me to step back and ask if what I’m adding to the conversation is helpful or hurtful.

God, in those moments when I am tempted to belittle or gossip about others, help me to step back and examine why I feel the need to tear others down.

God, in those moments when I am tempted to ignore the needs of my neighbor because of my own selfishness, help me to step back and examine if there are practical ways in which I can address my neighbors needs as they arise.

God, so often I work to preserve institutions, reputations, status and privilege when I should be working for peace and unity.

God, help me to put aside my own selfish desires and pursuits so that I might better love and serve you and my neighbor. Help me to be a person of peace that attempts to bring unity where there is division, hope where there is despair, and love where there is fear. And, help me to remember that peace, unity and hope are available in and through you.

Creative God,

Open my heart, mind, body, eyes and soul to experience you in this world today. Too often, I overlook your presence in simple things, in my family, friends, neighbors, enemies, strangers, and all of creation.

While it can feel that things are spiraling out of control, that stress is winning over joy, help me find hope, rest, and renewal in you. 

Remind me that you are in control and help me trust you.

Creative God,

Far too often, I fail to give you appropriate thanks and praise. Therefore, let my words and actions this day be a shout of praise for your amazing love, grace and mercy.

May my work, my interactions with others, my coming and going, my moments of busyness, my moments of rest be holy and pleasing to you.

Merciful God, when I am overwhelmed by the circumstances of my daily life, give me confidence that I am not alone, for You, God are with me.

Help me to always hold onto hope, knowing that no matter what I face today, You, God are with me. You, God, will save me from myself and all those things that attempt me to distract me from You.

God, help me to always choose what is good, what is right, what is pleasing to You. Help me to live, speak, move and act in ways that will communicate that I am Your child.

Creative God, help me to love You by loving others. Provide opportunities for me to put that love into actions, and give me the bold courage to respond in practical and tangible ways.

Thank You, Creative God, for Your amazing love. Be with me this day and help me to be faithfully obedient. Amen.