In these days, much of the world is in quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic. There is fear, conspiracy theories, panic, hoarding, social distancing, and closures of schools, churches & businesses. Most of us have never lived through such a time as this, so we really don't know what to make of it. We find ourselves at home more and our once jam-packed schedules are now free and open with nowhere to go. This can either be a relief or a nightmare.
Time. So often we wish we had more time. Now some of us do. This time came at a good time for me since I had surgery in mid-February. It's given me a good excuse to stay home, rest, read, catch up on personal & work paperwork, watch TV, listen to more music & great sermons and pray more. I've even written and sent some long overdo letters and cards and now trying to write again. As I felt better, I did a little baking and cooking.
Time. For others, this time means the loss of a paycheck, or reduced hours. Still others may panic at so much time alone or have underlying medical or mental issues that make this time absolutely terrifying or unbearable. Their days may be excruciatingly long and difficult to get through without some help.
That's why I've been so encouraged by people's creativity and the gift of technology. This is a wonderful time to reach out to those in our sphere of influence: neighbors, friends, co-workers, family, etc. A phone call, text message, or video-chat could truly lift their spirits. We may not be able to go inside and visit, but we can drop off groceries or homemade goodies to those near us.
I love seeing the videos of people in apartment buildings out on their balcony's singing together or clapping for those in the medical field and others on the front lines of this pandemic, children and adults playing their instruments for anyone within hearing distance. A woman with her dog still visiting the nursing home, but going window to window outside. My husband's nurse allowing me to call her personal cell phone so that we could video-chat.
Time. It's also a good time to think about what is really important, what really matters in life. We are in the season of Lent, preparing our hearts in remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection. A time of reflection, a time of soul-searching. As our thoughts may run away with "what ifs", let's remember...
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension
that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
This time has not surprised God. He has not changed. He is still Sovereign. As believers in God Almighty and His Son, Jesus Christ and having His Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we do not need to fear that which can kill the body, but cannot touch the soul.
Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One
who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Time. It is precious. I hope that as this time of isolation continues for a while, we will look for ways to bless someone else with our time, realize what is truly important in all time, and of utmost importance, if you do not believe in Jesus, that you will take the time to search your heart and God's word. Seek Him while there is time. In all of this there is joy to be found in the midst of the unknown and the unusual.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself
and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace
gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
encourage your hearts and strengthen you
in every good deed and word.
