A New and Wonderful World
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
Today’s devotion image is a picture of my two grandsons. Gordie is in the mask, and Brooks has the inspiring smile. What makes this picture come alive is the story behind Brooks’ glee. Brooks was born in April 2020. He spent the first several months of his life sequestered in his house due to COVID-19 restrictions. What you see in this picture is Brooks’ first outing since coming home from the hospital after his birth. No visitor to Hy-Vee ever felt such joy and excitement!
Before Brooks’ trip to Hy-Vee, his world was so small, and the only humans that existed were Mom, Dad, brother, and two sets of grandparents who wore masks most of the time. It must have been a shock to his system to experience the stimulation of lights, colors, so many humans, and such strange sounds. Rather than fear, little Brooks felt the explosive elation of such an unimaginable surprise.
We’ve talked to many parents of children born in 2020 & 2021, as well as teachers from that age group. The one term that we continue to hear, describing children of this age, is “feral.” While not all kids of his age fit the feral description, many of these uniquely born children are boisterous and loud. They often live in their little worlds and find joy in the small things life offers. I believe Brooks and others of his age express a feral nature due to the abrupt shock from a small, limited, and boring existence into an all-new, overwhelming world out there somewhere. While Brooks is now a well-traveled, articulate five-year-old, unconsciously, he still retains the awe of that first day at Hy-Vee.
Our present worldly existence bears a striking resemblance to Brooks’s during COVID-19. It is limited, and it feels like this is all there is to life. As people of faith, we trust God’s promise that we are “seeing in a mirror dimly,” but one day “we will see face-to-face.” When we can see clearly, God’s heavenly city will light up and be as exciting as Brooks at Hy-Vee! We find hope when we ponder the omnipotent joy God has in store for us and can visualize God’s eternal creation. So, be prepared to let your face shine like little Brooks’s did when your world expands to a new and ever-expanding life!
