2020 04 28
作者 Article by: Yvonne Zheng
在家禁足抗疫對自我的五個新發現
一．和英語堂成人讀書硏經會的成員親密了一些：
在得知三月十五日崇拜被取消之后，有成員在两天内自發組織在網上用視像會議形式使各人可以繼續聚會。平時因教主日學，領青少年團契或司琴不能每次都參與的教友，在這幾星期都踴躍參與。各人每次聚集互相噓寒問暖，比以往主日忙着做這、忙着做那親密多了。
二．在和上帝建立關係上更加努力：
看到英語堂讀書會的成功例子，獵鷹組也照辦煮碗在網上視像聚會。為準備領查經搜集資料。讀了網上和書上的研經資料，比較中英文版的不同用字，做了改完又改的筆記。研究上帝的話語是明白祂旨意的其中一個途徑。在我個人而言，領查經的信徒往往比參與查經的信徒更加了解親近主。 在家禁足好象是迫着我要更加努力和上帝建立關係。
三．和久違了的親友再次聯絡：
我的生活圈子很窄。平時很少主動去和親友聯絡。就算住在家附近的嬸母也只有在大時大節或有事時才「登三寶殿」。在家禁足第二星期我鼓起勇氣撥電與各人聯絡聯絡。又上面書和電郵帳户，重温一下我那頗短的朋友名單，寄信息給一些幾年不見的朋友。寒喧幾句，知道他們安好，一絲絲暖意上心頭。
四．知足常樂，感恩不盡：
我生於一個小康之家。對衣食住行從來未憂過。對食物供應的充足，從未質疑。除了在渥太華讀書時一次被屋主婆話：「不續租」以外，從未試過無瓦遮頭的感覺。近來第一次看見超市空空如也的貨架。雖然心裏知道人們只是一時恐慌購物，但看起來真是有點心寒。
四月一日早晨新聞頭條是：「今天無錢交租的人會不會被業主收樓？」。心裏同情因疫情失業的人，也了解小業主要用租金交房屋按揭的苦處。慨嘆有部分人在疫情過後可能工又無，樓又無。慶幸自己兩個女兒的家庭沒有受太大的影响，自己的退休收入還可應付開支。對上帝的賜予，無限感恩。
五．懂得與人一同祈禱：
我一向沒有飯前祈禱的習慣。二女和女婿婚後在我家暫住。二女婿在每餐吃飯前必定祈禱。我家就開此了飯前輪流祈禱。每次都會為當天發生的事情或感謝、或求吿於神。在家禁足讓我們一起用餐的次數多了，祈禱的次數也多了。現在逢星期三晩上又參加了英語堂的視像祈禱會。發覺在自己能力有限、沒有甚麽可以幫忙的時候，祈禱是我唯一可以做到的事。
馬太福音 18:19 Chinese Union Version Modern Punctuation (Traditional) (CUVMPT)
19 我又告訴你們：若是你們中間有兩個人在地上同心合意地求什麼事，我在天上的父必為他們成全。
讓我們一起祈禱。
Five things I discovered about myself during this time of social distancing:
1. I formed closer bonds with people from the English congregation:
I enjoy sharing and learning with members of the Adult Discussion group on Sundays after the English Service. However, I do not get to attend every single meeting since I have to teach Sunday school once or twice a month. As a matter of fact, a few of the group members are Sunday school teachers and youth group leaders and they are in the same position as I am. One blessing I have experienced amidst social distancing is that I can consistently participate in the online discussion group and get to know my fellow Christians better. Even though we are physically apart, we are closer than before.
2. I cherish opportunities to build a relationship with God
The Eagle Hunter Fellowship had to cancel our March meeting due to COVID-19. Despite cancelling the meeting we were able to reschedule and meet online. We do miss the wonderful food that usually comes with each meeting but we are able to keep in touch with each other and conduct Bible studies as well. We actually moved to having biweekly meetings instead of monthly meetings. I offered to lead a study on the book of James. In preparation to lead, I studied the book of James by looking up background information, reading commentaries, and reflecting on the teachings. Through these activities, I found my relationship with God deepened. I am really thankful for this opportunity.
3. I enjoy keeping in touch with friends and family
My social circle is quite narrow despite having a big family. By the second week of staying home due to keep social distancing, it dawned on me that I should make an effort to stay in touch with people I know. So I started phoning my sister-in-laws who are my neighbours; then I phoned another relative in Scarborough; next I sent Whatsapp messages to relatives and last but not least I looked up my face book friends and sent them messages as well. I was “on a roll”. I discovered that I enjoy catching up with people.
4. I am counting my blessings daily and being more thankful to God
Growing up in a middle class household, I never lacked any material needs. I never worry about having enough food on the table. The only time I worried about whether there was a roof on top of my head was when I had to find a place to stay when I was studying in Ottawa as a teenager. Seeing empty shelves at the grocery store for the first time in my life sent shudders down my spine even though I know there is nothing wrong with our food supply and people are just "panic buying". The news head line for April 1st was "Will renters be kicked out if they cannot make the rent payment today?". I wonder how many people will end up living on streets and how many small businesses will have to close down after the COVID-19 health crisis. I am so thankful that my family is still OK. I am counting my blessings every day.
5. I found courage to pray with others
I do not have the habit of praying before meal time. But that has changed ever since my son-in-law moved in with me. We take turns praying before each meal. Giving thanks to the good things that happened to us that day; thanking God for all He has given us and asking God to help us or others in need. We have family meals together more often now due to social distancing which provides me with more opportunities to pray. Another opportunity to pray with others is at the English Ministry online prayer group on Wednesday nights. I am not very good at praying but I think it is a good thing to do, especially when I get to pray with a group of people.
Matthew 18:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.