March. In March, our world was turned upside down by Covid-19. We began wearing masks. We started social distancing, and we began hiding in our homes. The news was bad, and now it seems to come in waves. In my hometown, St. John, Kansas, we’ve gone from one case to seven (including our first fatality). Now the county health department is mandating everyone must wear a mask in public, and groups larger than 30 people are prohibited from meeting. If we reach ten people sick with the virus, that number drops to groups no larger than 15.
On top of that, school is getting ready to begin, and that raises a whole host of other issues. It’s dark. People are worried. Couples trapped at home together are having trouble. The news is bad.
But I like the words of Charlie Chaplin, “You’ll never see the rainbow if you don’t look up.” Isn’t there something to celebrate? (Do we really need a reason to throw a party?) I like the website https://nationaldaycalendar.com/. They keep records of all the celebrations. Today (Monday, August 17) is “National I Love My Feet Day.” Are you a fan of “Taco Tuesday”? Well, this week, it’s National Fajita Day. The 19th is “National Soft Ice Cream Day,” and Friday is “National Spumoni Day.”
The Bible talks about “fasting,” “feasting,” and “our daily bread.” Previously, we’ve spoken about fasting as a spiritual discipline, and how we should be satisfied with “our daily bread,” but let’s think about having a feast.
When Jesus invited Matthew to become one of his disciples, Matthew/Levi called all of his friends together for a grand celebration:
And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:29 – 32).
While we may not be able to invite “a large company” of our friends together, why not have a celebration tonight? It may only be baloney sandwiches, but get dressed up. Set out the good china. Pick a sunflower or two, and put them on the table. Then celebrate! God is good – even in the days of the pandemic.