I’ve been hearing a lot of comments such as, “Well, 2022 can’t be any worse than 2021!” or “We deserve a break after the last two years!”  Well, I’m with them.  However, as I complete the catastrophes of 2021, I am inclined to remark on some achievements that might have gone unnoticed.

1. Between COVID’s deadly path of destruction, losses of loved ones and heroes, isolationism, disruption to our youth in K-12 all way to college and postgrad efforts, there has also been a paradigm shift in the working world where offices are becoming obsolete and home offices are becoming more efficient and preferred.  I’m a firm believer that forcing someone to get up before they want to, dress in clothes they aren’t comfortable in, drive in traffic that is nothing but frustrating for all motorists, park in a garage (where applicable, of course) that costs money, work a prescribed eight-hour day with the tools provided, then drive in heavy traffic to get back home IS NUTS!  I’ve been in this business long enough to see both sides of the argument for forcing our work teams to show up at an office.  And I have yet to see a significant decline in productivity.
2. As a measure to include attendance at schools, churches and other public venues, audio-visual capabilities and accessibility has increased immeasurably. Before COVID, we at St. John’s were experimenting with the monitors and trying to determine what level of disruption they would to our services.  IF we had not made those advancements, we’d be trying to catch up even faster.  Thank the Lord, our God, for placing that idea in someone’s head that keeping up with the industry is a prudent thing to do.  Now, due to the time and generosity of the AV Team and the Klanderman family, we are well positioned broadcast church services as well as continuing education classes.
3. Finally, Eleanor Roosevelt said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I witness this truth every Sunday when I see folks returning for the first time since COVID closed us.  The joyful sounds of greetings and squeals of delight in seeing someone they love and have missed is heartwarming, even if there have been emails/texts/phone calls.  I, for one, look forward to the day when everyone feels safe enough to return to church in person.  Until then, we will use every means necessary and available to us to connect each person who wants to follow our service in praising and demonstrating God’s love, devotion and forgiveness wherever they are.

While God works in mysterious ways and none of us understand what is happening, I know that God is always with us.  And, as beautifully stated in 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Hang in there, St. John’s congregation!  There is a beautiful end to the all the trials and tribulations we are enduring.  Have a happy and safe new year.