The Great Indoors

April 16, 2020

By Chaz Umamoto, Coordinator of Worship Ministry Support

By nature, I’m an introvert. I don’t like going into large groups of people or spending time in dense metropolitan areas. My perfect day at work is working from my desk at home with a nice pour-over cup of coffee. Likewise, my perfect evening is spent indoors with a nice meal and a movie with Sarah, and our son Jojo. I’ve jokingly mentioned that I’ve been under self-quarantine before it was mandated since I spend a lot of time indoors writing and producing music. 

But during this time of self-quarantine, I’ve realized how I miss being in the company of others. I’m encouraged by every phone call, text, Zoom meeting, or email I get. I’m reminded that when God created us, He designed us for community. 

Recently our neighbors decided to start doing a regular quarantined get-together. We encourage everyone on our floor to sit outside the doors to our apartments, and watch the sunset on Friday evenings. We are definitely six feet apart but much closer in spirit. It’s a special time where we get to see how we can meet each other’s needs. 

Since we have been at home, without the option to go out unless necessary, it has shown me how much I miss going outdoors. Yes, I’m more of a homebody and being home is great, but I also know there’s a whole world out there too, a big and beautiful world that God created and treasures.

I remember when I would go surfing on the west side every Saturday morning and just sit in the lineup waiting for the next set to come in. Those are some of my most precious times with the Lord. 

What have been some of your most precious times with God? 

Thank Him again for those times.

Prayer: Lord, Although we cannot enjoy the great outdoors right now, would You use this time to help me reflect and reorient before “the next set of waves” come. Perhaps there are hidden blessings that You want me to find indoors. Maybe there are prayers and blessings that I’ve sought for years and You are trying to speak to them now. Help us to be still; help us to journal with you; help us be creative in how we spend time with our family and neighbors. 

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