Written by Mary Nelson, youth pastor of Rural Chapel United Methodist Church in Galena, OH

Lately, in the time where we have been forced to change our lives drastically for the greater good of the community, I have felt that although things have slowed down, things have become way more chaotic.

Stores are packed and always sold out of something (it took me 5 days to find baking soda), my kids are getting cabin fever, Randy and I are both trying to work from home. The house is always messy and we’re all a little on edge.

Ephesians 4:2 says “be humble and gentle; be patient, bearing  with one another in love.”

For me a huge faith practice lately has been just this: be gentle with others and yourself- allow extra space for grace. Be patient- this is so hard for me- but take that deep breath, centering breath and be patient. Lastly love. Show love and receive love freely right now. Show love to your friends, the people walking past you down the street, your family, yourself, the person who grabbed the last thing off the grocery shelf. The best way to show Jesus in this time is through love. It’s easier said than done, but if we are aware of how we are responding to other people, this should hopefully become less of a challenge.

In Christ,
Mary

Be humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2