[314 words]
I loved visiting my Aunt Maureen and my Uncle Tolle Chapman in Nobob, KY when I was a little boy. They always had chickens in their backyard! I would spend hours watching the chickens peck the ground and interact in their little space. My aunt Margaret lived just up the road. She too, had chickens! I liked her chickens even though she had a rooster that spurred me on my leg (I still have that scar). What I noticed with both sets of chickens is this: Both groups worked, moved around, and survived as they learned to deal with one another; and both groups had the same challenge or opportunity, to get through each day to their best of their ability!
It has already been stated in society and will continue to be stated, “We have some extra time to reflect on ourselves due to the quarantine.” We can ponder things like, “Where I have been? Where am I? Where am I going?” Additionally, we can think about relationships in our life and how we can be more Christ-like. As we strive to deal with our current challenge, may we use this time as an opportunity, as we move about in our little spaces, to remember how we can improve interacting with one another. We share so much together such as: a common Father (Gen. 1:1), a common family (1 Tim. 3:15), salvation (Titus 2:11-12), a common hope of reward (Rev. 2:10), joint participation (Phil. 1:5), and partnership with all members (Acts 2:38-47).
We have a partnership with Christ (1 Cor. 1:5), we share similar thoughts/goals (Phil. 4:8), and we have Communion with Christ (1 Cor. 10:16).
We recognize we are encountering some unique challenges. As we move, talk with and interact, may we do so to unite and not divide.
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY