With mandates to avoid social situations and stay at home orders from many states, people have been missing out on many things the past couple of weeks. Concerts, sporting events, the Olympics and other events have been canceled or postponed. The ability to visit loved ones in the hospital or nursing homes has also been significantly limited, for the health and sake of many in vulnerable positions. So, maybe you have had to stretch your supply of wheat bread, toilet paper, or hand sanitizer a little more than you planned lately, but that could always be worse than it is. What have you had to give up recently, that was difficult for you, and what are you most afraid of losing?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
They say that when you give up one thing, you gain another. With limits on where and how often you can travel, and who you can visit, what good, if any has come from that? Maybe you are one of the fortunate that is still able to work from home, at least to some capacity. What challenges and benefits has that brought about? I transitioned from a group office setting to home-officing over 5 years ago, but am now home more than I ever was. In order to focus and get anything accomplished, I have to isolate myself in another part of the house, otherwise there are near constant distractions from other family members. On the upside, I have been able to join my family for lunch and see them play more often. Watching our 1-year old daughter grow and learn things has been a daily joy for me. I took the past day off work and was able to get a few projects done with the benefit or challenge of some young helpers at times. There have been several opportunities to slow down and reflect on things a little more as well. When things take a drastic change, what benefit is that for you?
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-20
Some have used their newfound time to take in more news, entertainment, and social media to keep up on what is going on in the world. Even if you are still working from home, the commute time is likely shorter for many. If you have been given more ‘time’ in your day, how have you put it to use? How did you spend a free day before all this happened? Have you spent any more time in the Word or in prayer the past few weeks? Honestly, when a crisis is going on somewhere in the world, it is only natural for the media to cover it more and for most of us to lend an ear and more time to what that is. Ultimately, where we spend our time and attention shows us where our hope truly is. Not to say that if you totally trust God, you will ignore what else is going on in the world, but that your fear and anxiety should be more manageable when you put your trust in Him, regardless of what is going on around us. May you find your peace in Him today and always!
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yours in Christ,
Clark
