Having a Plan and Practicing
Each month, we send out a note from Erik reflecting on life in the church, current happenings, and more.
Dear City Church,
Last January, I started sending a monthly letter to City Church. (I’m glad to report, and only a little bit surprised, that I managed to write one every month last year.) In that first letter, I wrote about a winter storm that triggered catastrophic failure at the city’s water treatment plant, which, in turn, triggered… well, you remember. It’s with some foreboding that I write this week as another winter storm bears down on Richmond, leaving us to refresh our weather apps constantly, and leaving grocery store shelves throughout the metro area devoid of milk and chips.
We all have our own reactions to winter storm forecasts. Kids often squeal (literally) in anticipation of a day (or a week) off of school. Parents often groan (literally) in the realization of multiple days in a row stuck inside with restless children. Native New Englanders like myself often scoff (literally) at all the attention, all the fuss, all the anxiety caused by weather.
When my family first moved to the Richmond area 21 years ago, I suffered from an acute case of snow-righteousness. I thought I was better than other people because I was nonplussed as snowstorms approached. And as I had been trained to do since boyhood, I woke up the morning after a snow and got to work—shoveling, digging out cars, salting the steps. Our first years in Virginia, I was shocked at how a few inches of snow could cripple a city—shutting down schools, leaving roads impassable, and causing life as we know it to grind to a halt.
By now, I call myself a recovering snow-Pharisee. I still have my moments of disbelief (like when churches cancel services at the merest whiff of inclement weather), but I’m more sympathetic to the impulse of cancelation. I get it. I understand that leaders are making decisions involving the safety of all sorts of constituents. I see the wisdom in “Better safe than sorry.”
More importantly, I understand now that Richmond simply doesn’t have the necessary equipment or infrastructure to respond to snowstorms the way New England does. Roads aren’t pre-treated as thoroughly; a flotilla of plow-truck drivers doesn’t stand at the ready; individuals aren’t prepared (with shovels, car scrapers, cold-weather clothing) to clear snow. What’s more, it wouldn’t be wise for Richmond to invest in removal equipment given the infrequency of snowstorms here.
Thinking about all of that leads me, as the pastor that I am, to wonder if we, as God’s people, have the equipment necessary to handle the spiritual storms He may bring into our lives. Are we prepared, or perhaps better, are we preparing ourselves for the inevitable and unpredictable interruptions that will come into our lives by God’s sovereign hand?
The Pharisee in me could easily look down his nose at those who are unprepared, those who haven’t stockpiled spiritual salt and sand, those without shovels or snow gloves. But I realize that a better response would be compassion.
While it may not be a wise investment for Richmond to prepare for snowstorms, it is a wise investment for us to prepare for life’s spiritual storms. We know they’re coming. We know that no one will escape their impact. And we know that God has given us resources to be equipped when they do come.
It’s the reason we talk so much at City Church about the simple and ordinary habits of faith. As most anyone could tell you, the key to emergency preparedness is having a plan and practicing. So we urge everyone to practice the daily habits of faith so we’ll be ready when a storm comes. Practice trusting in Jesus. Practice running to God in prayer. Practice relying on the support of others in the church.
Here’s another thing I’ve learned from living in Richmond during snowstorms—you’ll hear me murmuring it under my breath as a storm nears: “We all love a snow day.” You see, people love canceling things. People love a break from their schedules and a reason to gather with friends and family to talk and laugh and eat and be. Which, I think, is one of the greatest natural defenses of the Sabbath. Years ago, I said in a sermon that the Sabbath is meant to be like a snow day; a built-in day once a week when we are allowed, indeed encouraged, to not do anything.
I don’t know what this weekend holds in terms of weather. The truth is none of us knows. But I do know that whatever comes, God is with us. He’ll carry us through. He’ll teach us. He’ll draw us more into His love and care.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, we’re still planning to have worship on Sunday at 4PM. This New Englander has never canceled City Church for snow. If it’s safe for you to come to Grace Covenant, join us. If not, we’ll make resources available for you to worship at home. Regardless of where you do it, worship. Receive the Sabbath as God’s snow day for his weary people.
Stay Well & Do Good.
Erik