Different worlds?

So, while out on my exercise routine, I stopped to talk to a friend and her family (keeping the social distancing rules you understand). Her son works in Sainsbury’s while studying to become a pilot. He’s not far off getting his pilot’s licence, which is hugely disappointing for him in these current circumstances.. Anyway, he told me that the highlight of his working week is when he gets abuse from people doing their shopping, who then tell him they have to leave to go and clap for the NHS. All credit to him that he can laugh about it. But think about it. It’s bizarre. One moment you are abusive to someone who’s trying to help you, only to tell them you have to go to applaud people for helping you! Two different worlds. And yet, somehow, they don’t see it. They don’t see how they inhabit two different worlds. I feel sometimes like I’m living in two different worlds right now. There’s the world of church and being a minister, which, although it’s changed a bit in the last few weeks, is no less busy! And there’s the world of social distancing, restrictions, changing work, no work and…running! And, sadly, illness and death. It does feel like different worlds. But then I realise, I do inhabit two worlds, always. Different words. One, finite, limited, full of challenge and struggle. One full of promise and freedom. One, leading to death. The other leading to life. One will last, the other will not. And what strikes me, is that without thinking, I put most of my effort into the world that will fade, the one that won’t last. You’d think I’d have learnt by now that it would be much wiser to invest in the world that is eternal, even if it’s harder to see right now. But then I’m not always wise.