In the midst of all the Covid-19 craziness I was reminded of a few things this morning as I looked out my window.
The most awe inspiring, calming moment though was when the words “God is good” came to my mind. The words flooded throughout me when I looked at the gorgeous sunrise —
The picture doesn’t do it justice. There were blues, pinks and oranges all washed in the dawn with the moon in its crescent form still hanging in the sky. And it reminded me of my favorite bible verse.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Chirst Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
It left me thinking on the gifts we’ve been given by our father in heaven. That we have a mission — good things to accomplish that were planned for us long before Corona. In it I find a promise — much like the sun rising every single morning, I believe that for most of us, we will live another day. It’s what we do with that day that really matters.
I’m certainly not downplaying the fact that the current conditions may be bringing on anxiety for those that have jobs or paychecks in jeopardy. Or those with compromised immune systems. Absolutely there is much fraility out and about in our world. But, I also believe God created us to be a resiliant people. And though we are “socially distancing” ourselves for now, it doesn’t mean we should be socially isolated.
Frank and I are pretty sure we contracted this nasty virus at the end of December/early January. Frank, who has a rock star of an immune system, was able to fight it off without any care from the doctors in about 12 days. I, on the other had, have a slightly less resiliant immune system and I fought for about three weeks, needing antibiotics in the end to kick the respiratory portion. Neither of us enjoyed our introduction to the virus. It quite literally knocked us on our butts. We did what most people do when they feel that sick — we kept a little distance from each other, stayed home, on the couch, watched some Netflix and slept a lot.
As we began to feel better, we still took it easy, stayed home a little more and played games and tried our best to keep each other entertained when the monotany of being home became too much (for me, at least…I’m the great extrovert of our family).
I for one was grateful to the friends who checked in on me during the time I was out of commission. I had texts and Marco Polo’s. I even received a card in the good old fashioned mail box. It lifted my spirit and made me feel a little more connected. I am trying to do the same now. Reach out, be a good friend, just reminding people they are not alone even during this lonely time.
It’s easy to be worn down when we don’t know what the immediate, or even long term future exactly holds. It’s easy to get caught up in the what-ifs. I’m guilty of the same. But what I’m trying to do for now is focus on the simple things — the joy in waking up, in taking an evening walk with my husband and dog each day, in having the opprotunity to write more, to converse with my friends through the technology we’ve been blessed with in this modern day, to take in the sunrise and sunset each morning and evening. I’m working to not focus on what I don’t know and what I can’t control and to focus on the things I can.
I’m using this time to explore a little more the way God created me. And how I can use the gifts He bestowed on me to the benefit of my friends and neighbors during this time. And when I begin to feel lonely, I am working hard to keep my perspective and focus on His promises. I’ll leave you with the one that is resonating most loudly for me this morning.
This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afriad or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Shrinking Shay 