Learning to See: Drowning in Process

Watch the video: Learning to See: Drowning in Process

Today is the Sunday before Pentecost. The lectionary text (Acts 1:16-14) speaks of the day Jesus was “taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” What a strange and dramatic exit. Once again, Jesus frustrated the disciples linear expectations and surprised them with his mysterious call to constant prayer.

The disciples, so happy to have Jesus back – resurrected from the dead – were ready to go! Jesus had demonstrated his power and now it was time to make the next plan – to act! “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” They wanted to know what was next, what’s the plan, what do we do? Let’s change the world!

And, Jesus calls them to wait…and to pray.

They are left looking up, awe-struck, into the sky to ponder the mystery; to reflect on all that had happened and to accept the call to be Jesus’ “witnesses in Jersualem… and to the ends of the earth.” This passage leaves the disciples once again gathered together in an upstairs room constantly praying, reflecting, celebrating, pondering all that had happened.

This Covid-19 time is one big giant imposed pause. And yet, so many of us feel like we are drowning in a sea of over productivity, stretched creativity and a drive to connect that is leaving us with Zoom fatigue and feeling disconnected from ourselves and God.

It’s not our fault. It’s our natural response to crisis. It’s what’s been required… It’s not sustainable.

Many artists I know are feeling uninspired, pastors are feeling worn out, everyone is feeling uncertain and anxious. We want to know what to do next. We’re asking “what’s the plan?” and the answer is: “wait and see.” We too, are left “looking up to into the sky” just like the disciples; watching and waiting. “Drowning in Process” is an invitation to go with it.

Why not accept this forced break as a time to catch your breath? Why not observe (perhaps for the first time ever) this holy week in the church calendar to wait and pray with the disciples for that breath to arrive?

The Spirit is coming – as creative and productive and responsible as you are, sometimes what’s called for is just to learn to appreciate what is and be in awe of this moment just the way it is.

May your week be one of celebratory pause. It’s ok to stop and catch your breath.

-Lisa

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