In times like these we often aim for some sense of normalcy. We try to keep our routines as much as we can, but there are many things that still remain unknown or interrupted. This unknown can cause uncertainty, anxiety, and even some sense of despair. Despite this despair and fear, we can cling to the resurrection of Jesus Christ for a place of hope and unconditional love. As a person who teaches some of God’s smallest children, sometimes the uncertainty can seem stronger than the hope and love that I know. I think about the uncertainty that surrounds the families and communities that I hold so close to my heart. During this time, my students have been the ones to bring that hope and unconditional love that I fear seems lost.

Two weeks ago I had my first Google Meet with my 1st grade cluster. I went into this meeting knowing that just seeing one of my students again would bring some joy, but what I didn’t know was how much hope and love came with it. One of my students logged on with his mom and as soon as he saw me, a huge smile was on his face. After a couple minutes of giggling and catching up, he began to cover his face. After a little time, he removed the blanket that covered his eyes, and I saw little tears around his eyes and running down his cheeks. Mom explained to me that he got up at 7 am, and wanted to log onto my meeting (note: the meeting began at 1pm). She continued by saying that having this meeting made his day, and that she wanted me to know how much seeing me made his day, and how much I meant to him. After saying goodbye, I continued to think about what that mother said, and the emotions I saw on my student’s face. My student showed me hope and unconditional love that is hard to find during times like this. I keep thinking about that moment – whenever the news isn’t good or stories come on with families who have lost so much due to this disease. However, one question now sticks in my head that has changed my perspective: If my student can show me that much hope and love during that meeting, how much more can our heavenly Father show us during this time of trouble and fear?

I have been thinking about the words of 1 John 4: 9-10,12 as a reminder of the love that God has given us. John writes, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loves us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” John in this letter is speaking to his followers who may have some doubts. However, John makes it very clear that through God there is love, and when we love others, we love God. Even though the world around may seem unclear and uncertain, there is one thing that is very clear and certain: God is love. I think that during times like this, we are called to love on each other more than ever. My goal and reminder is to demonstrate the same love that my student gave me to others, because through love all this is possible. Here is my prayer for the people of Grace and the world:

God of love,
We praise you for health and safety during times of uncertainty. We ask you to protect the people of this world, and help them during this time of fear and doubt. As the world is surrounded by darkness and fear, remind us, your children, of your love. May we love others in the same way that you love us. May your love unite us together, and support our brothers and sisters who may not feel love from others. God, I pray that the lost, broken, anxious, sad, the outcast, and the sick are surrounded by your peace and love. We do not know the future, however, we know you and your love. We pray all these things in your Son, sent to love by love. Amen.

My final note to all of you comes from a classic. At the end of each episode of Veggietales, Bob and Larry say this to the kids: “God made you special, and He loves you very much”. If anything, just remember the words of Bob and Larry. I remind my Sonday School students every week and now I want to remind you.

• Bekah