I recently listened to an interview in which Andy Crouch explained that strategizing a response to a crisis requires evaluating the potential duration of the event. He likened the span of a crisis to being either “snow day,” “blizzard,” or “winter.” A snow day is a blip in time, a minor inconvenience—perhaps even a welcome respite. A blizzard is more severe, more uncomfortable, and requires more fortitude and leadership to get through. A winter lasts months (or longer) and is best survived if it has been predicted and prepared for in advance.
I think when most of us first paid attention to COVID-19, we engaged with a “snow day” mentality. I know I did. When news came that the virus had reached the shores of America, I joked that I’d be fine: social isolation is pretty much my normal. I am, after all, an introverted homebody, born and raised in the great state of Montana where “six-feet apart” is just good manners. Quarantine? No sweat.
Then things got real.
Thanks to this pesky pandemic, nearly every aspect of my normal routine has been upset. It started when two-day shipping was no longer promised. I now actually have to plan ahead for the things I need. I’ve also had to get creative and figure out how to teach classes online — not just for a week or two, but for the remainder of the academic year. I’ve had to figure out fellowship through a computer screen, worship via YouTube, and bartering strategies for acquiring toilet paper and cleaning products.
In a word: this ain’t no snow day, people. We’ve got us a blizzard on our hands.
Pastor Mike has encouraged us to stay centered during the upheaval by focusing on four habits: praying, serving, giving, and gathering. These practices are already ingrained in the culture of Grace, but we have had to rethink how we go about them.
For example, many of us have more down time for prayer, but less private space for practicing it. We’ve certainly had to get creative in order to continue serving and gathering while respecting the need for social distance.
To me, giving is the one habit that seemed least impacted by all the turmoil. The COVID-19 strategy for giving was obvious: just keep giving. Since I’ve typically given electronically, nothing had to change. I could continue to give just as I have for years without spreading a single germ.
Then my daughter, who teaches at a large YMCA camp, was furloughed. Friends with small businesses experienced a drop in — if not a total loss of — income. Parents of my students were being laid off. As we’re starting to experience the economic impact of quarantining, I realize that although the virus is a blizzard, it’s possible the economic impact may be a winter. And as that realization sinks in, I am convicted that maybe it’s not as simple as “just keep giving.”
Maybe when circumstances are exceptional, generosity must be as well.
My husband and I have discussed ways to thank God for His provision by rethinking our spending so that we can free up money to help others. We don’t want to revel in comfort if others are struggling. Even as we redirect our finances toward greater giving, I don’t want to stop at money. Watching my friends and family in recent weeks, I have seen many creative examples of giving that went beyond dollars and cents. The Grace Church t-shirt campaign to raise money for medical personnel and families in need is a wonderful example.
My new friend Shanna learned of a need she could meet by sewing cloth masks. At the same time, she wanted to help a local family who had experienced a drastic reduction in income. Shanna gave to both situations by selling her masks at a modest cost and donating the proceeds to the family in need.
These examples remind me that even if we don’t have money, each of us has something to give.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul paints a picture of generosity that is applicable to us today. He describes the churches of Macedonia glowingly, particularly their “abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” He attributes their deep joy and generosity to the fact that “their first action was to give themselves to the Lord.” Keep in mind: these were also people who were “tested by many troubles and very poor” (2 Corinthians 8:2). Even so, they gave freely, gladly, and more than they could afford.
As we enter into a time when the needs around us may be great, I want my first action every day to be to give myself to the Lord and His people. By giving myself first, I anchor my heart. The result will be an overflow of generosity with every other resource I have. Like the Macedonians, I want a heart that begs for opportunities to share because I recognize that the ultimate treasure is Jesus and the greatest accomplishment is joining Him in His work.
