In Times Like These - Day 2
One day we will look back at this time and see its significance. Whether you want to believe people are overreacting or not reacting enough is irrelevant. What is relevant to me is what we do in this crucial time. We’ve seen how some react – grabbing as much toilet paper and hand sanitizer as possible and we’ve seen how others react – grocery shopping for the elderly neighbor. Who were you closer to in your reaction?
It’s fascinating to see the lure of ‘taking care of ourselves first’. I get it. It’s a natural reaction. It’s why so many of us feel as though we can still go out in public even when they state the importance of not being with people – social distancing. Yes, we may be young and healthy enough to be ok but when we are unknowingly a carrier and go about our business, it seems a bit selfish.
Some years ago we had a huge ice storm here in Ct. where many of us were stuck at home. I remember the initial reaction. My kids were very young and to think of 24 hours straight with them being a bit needy back then, I was a bit nervous. My wife’s step father was dying. He had stage 4-cancer and was given weeks to live. Based on my wife’s grandparents being the only ones with electricity, we all stayed there. I look back at those moments and thank God for this precious time. It’s as if He designated it. Board games, incredible conversations and family dinners together. Incredible memories.
We are now in similar times. A lot of unknown.
How long will we be sequestered?
How long will we be uncertain?
How long will we be stuck in our homes?
No one really knows. But I do know this: God knows and I’m going to lean on that. I know this is not a surprise to Him. I know we have some big choices to make in these next couple of weeks or months. We can go with the world and panic or we can go with God and stay calm. We can go with the world and hoard all we can or we can follow Jesus’ teaching and give. One direction comes with temporary gratification, the other comes with eternal peace from God Himself.
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
We all need to hold on to this verse throughout this time of unknown. He is our hope. He will steer us through. In a time of our life where many of us had no choice but to slow down, He will comfort us. In a time where we find ourselves with so much extra time, let’s use that time to spend time with the One who controls time and has all the answers. Tongue twister there.