Upheld In Hopeful Isolation

Our Current Story                                          

We are stuck. Everyone is stuck. We must stay home except for essential services. Paychecks are on hold, the rent looms.

Church is streamed online.

Workouts are streamed online.

School is happening at home and online.

Some food is takeout (is it online if it is ordered ahead)?

Even our coffee is from the window, and home to share on Facebook (definitely online).

Some folks are actually glad to have time handed to them. Closets are getting cleaned out. Walls are being washed. Needed recaulking of surfaces is happening. Garages are being cleared out and yardwork is beginning. And more. All good stuff. And weren’t we wondering when we were going to have the time to get to all these tasks?

Others are sinking into despair. And the reports keep coming. How much more can we take?

Hope in Our Current Story

In spite of all the bad news, there is good. Spring is awakening. Coronavirus, Covid-19 can’t stop the changing season. The same season we always look forward to after the long, cold, dark winters.

The sun is staying around longer.

Even with the threat of illness hanging over us, the sun still warms our faces. We aren’t shivering every time we step out our doors. What a welcome change. At least, if we are quarantined, we can enjoy Spring.

Spring reminds us that God has not forgotten us. He still holds the world in His hand and still sustains us daily.

The hope of recovery is real, Covid-19 will not defeat us.

Notice

Take a walk. The exercise feels good. The change of scenery refreshes the eyes. And the feeling of well being comes back.

This, too, shall pass.

God is still on His throne.

A short walk around my house revealed daffodils opening up, crocus proudly displaying their beauty. Peonies are peeking out—those red points will turn into stalks with gorgeous HUGE blooms in just weeks. What looks like celery stalks will become beautiful bleeding hearts and the iris, roses, lavender, and other plants are coming alive.

If I were growing veggies, you’d be seeing them here, too. Maybe someone else can share?

Bleeding Heart Babies

Courage to Look Forward

I don’t mean to minimize the danger to us because of Coronavirus. Of course, it is the greatest menace to us at this time. But, we have a choice these days.

We always have a choice.

We can choose to give in to despondency.

Or we can choose to lift our faces to the sun and let God fill us with His love.

And along with His love, He gives us confidence, optimism, expectation, anticipation and … faith. Faith to believe that He has plans and purpose for us. Faith to believe that He means us good.

Faith to grab the offered courage from Him with both hands and move forward into His calling for us.

No matter what we see.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NKJV).