by Victoria Heinecke

God calls us to be in communion with one another.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I live under a big western sky in Colorado. Until recently, the contrails of airplanes criss-crossed the dark blue expanse every day. For the past couple of months, however, the skies have been nearly devoid of human activity. There have been few contrails, and some small aircraft. The sounds of engines and propellers are nearly gone. It’s an eerie sort of quiet.

One day last week, a hot air balloon drifted over our neighborhood, floating slowly and quietly across the sky. I was surprised at the sight of a balloon; my first thought was, “Now that’s what I call social distancing!”

There are accounts in scripture of people getting away to spend time in relationship, meditation and prayer with God. Jesus withdrew from the crowds to spend time with his Father. Time in prayer with God helps us to be anchored in our faith, and gives us direction for our daily steps.

“By day the Lord commands his steadfast love,
    and at night his song is with me,
    a prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalm 42:8 English Standard Version

Withdrawing to spend time with God is a healthy means of nourishing our faith. Withholding our faith from others is not.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.“
Matthew 5:14-15 English Standard Version

God’s Word encourages us to be social beings, because he knows how much we need each other. Even when staying at home, we have been finding ways to connect with one another. We are reaching out to neighbors and passers-by on walks. Online churches are sprouting everywhere.

What began as social isolation is turning into countless cities on hills. Be a light!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado