How are you doing?” In the past, this has been a standard or glib greeting.  The answers we were given and were looking for included “well,” “fine,” “getting by” or some other innocuous response. On the odd occasion, someone may have answered with a sentiment a little deeper and truer. If this question is asked today, be prepared to get a glimpse of how someone is getting through “this unprecedented time.”

At my recent annual physical, my doctor asked the question. After I answered, she asked a second one. “What does ‘well’ look like in your world today and how are you managing it?” Her verbal examination was aimed at my emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.  

My doctor, along with everyone else, knows that everything is harder now than it was.  Limitations, both mandated and by choice, abound. Time and effort to sanitize and make encounters as safe as possible become tiring.  The concern for your own health and those around you becomes grinding. Living with the cancellations or postponements of personal or public events dents our joy. Making plans beyond a couple of weeks requires a few different options or scenarios. The economy and employment concerns weigh heavy on many. After 120 days of this, we are tired. But we are not done yet. 

Early on during the “safer at home” restrictions, one of my shut-ins commented that everyone was going to experience a bit of what her life is like. Her statement reoriented my perspective to the limits that many people face and live with continually. It was another reminder for me to think not only of my own desires and perspectives, but those of the people around me, especially the most vulnerable.  

Consider Hebrews 12, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We are in a race, not only of the coronavirus, but of life and faith. During this we are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” but we are also witnesses to those around us. We are in this together, loved and supported by our savior, Jesus. Lean on and gain strength from one another. Unburden your fears and frustrations with someone you trust.  Be understanding to those with differing perspectives. Share kindness and hope.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. John Tabaka is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe.