Returning from the sea was mostly filled with excitement and joy. Most of our attention was focused on contact with loved ones, enjoy terra firma (dry land), and resting up for a while. In the midst of that, there would be a briefing to include: “Do not forget, you may require a few days of getting your long-distance vision back… bright lights at night can cause temporary night driving issues… and beards have to be shaved by 0600 tomorrow.” Even with all the excitement, there would be some adjustments each person would have to go through transitioning from living on a confined submarine for around 80 days to normal life.
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-15 NRSV
When speaking with folks about our “return to full church” season, it was interesting to hear a common theme: I have been living, talking, visiting, and thinking in a bubble the last year. In the midst of the excitement to “rejoin” life, we may experience some transition challenges. If you have been talking among a small group of people, you may have to recognize your conversation patterns have to adjust. You may have tended to keep company only with folks who believe and think as you do, you may need a dose of patience to “deal” with others again. You may have grown accustomed to not hugging people and have to steady yourself for a person reaching out for the first time to do so. I cannot give enough examples to cover it all, but I imagine you get the point.
In transition times, we may need suggestions on how to navigate this. The passage quoted above in Colossians I find applicable to all aspects of life. I commend it to you to prayerfully consider as you re-engage with life. If someone makes a mistake, bear with them as they get their bearings back also… I think it is okay to hope for them to do the same with you.
Blessings,
Pastor Chris
