Rachel Fisher

Galatians 5:2-6 (NIV)

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Reflection:

Well folks, after twenty-six months of successfully avoiding coronavirus, the disease finally paid a visit to our house. I went to a wedding the weekend prior…and let’s just say, the after-party was probably a super-spreader event. Nevertheless, my vaccinated-and-boosted status allowed for a very mild manifestation of Covid, with some congestion and a short-lived fever being the only symptoms. I know so many families have not been nearly as fortunate, and I am incredibly grateful my only suffering was missing out on a friend’s birthday dinner.

Because I live with my parents, I immediately entered a quarantine and was thus treated to “room service” for each meal. Yes, Hotel Fisher was a fabulous getaway—worthy of a 5-star review on Yelp—due, in part, to my mom’s delivery (and pick-up) of a food tray morning, afternoon, and night.

Cooped up in my bedroom, I would receive a knock on my door, wait ten seconds, and retrieve my platter of yumminess. Then fifteen minutes later, I’d deposit the dirty dishes outside my room, text my mom, and bask in my charade as Eloise at the Plaza.

That’s what love is, right? Taking a crummy situation and turning it into something worthwhile. Notice, I didn’t say perfect…no, there’s no fallacy in real love. Pretending like I wasn’t isolated for health reasons is not caring for someone. But going above and beyond to make someone feel worthwhile and safe, now that can be achieved no matter what the situation.

Alas, despite our efforts, my mother ultimately caught the illness and thankfully was also not too worse for the wear. As I was fully recovered, it became my turn to be her nurse. Superior to my own caregiving skills though, my dad was the real marvel, bringing my mom flowers with her coffee and wearing a mask so he could pop in to visit while she quarantined in the guest room.

Love is a peculiar thing: we may not be thinking about it 100% of the time, but it is always moving through us. Unlike other emotions that we may keep to ourselves—those still keep their integrity, even on their own—love requires attention. And when it’s nurtured, even with a small gesture, love engulfs its subjects in a wave of grace and goodness. Picking out a favorite mug for morning coffee may not change the world, but it makes one feel less alone. If sin separates us, love binds us together. Despite being separated, I never felt more loved by my family. Even when the whole world had to be apart, we managed to stay connected and act out our love in new, innovative ways.

Disease and suffering and tragedy are powerful, but they cannot defeat love. No, Christ ensured that when he took the ultimate action and gave his life for us. Each time we show love, little by little, we’re reflecting that same, great force, breakfast dishes and all.

Prayer:
Almighty Father, thank you for showing me the way. You are magnificent and awesome, from your earth-shattering wonders to your small miracles surrounding me. Please help me glorify your love and point others toward you. Amen.