Can We Talk?
And, I promise no platitudes. It sucks, doesn’t it?
Lord knows I hate that expression but it suits the situation.
Things are hard. Our normal has been temporarily re-created. But, I also refuse to call this our new normal. Wearing a mask and latex gloves to buy a loaf of bread or mail a letter is NOT normal – never will be in my book!
I Still Have Hope!
Because my hope is anchored in The One who never changes, who has my best interest at heart, and knows the ending from the beginning. (Hebrews 6.19; Psalm 138.8; Isaiah 46.10)
I’ve lived through enough trials and tribulations to know, “This too shall pass.”
Do I think the end of world is imminent? Yes, it has been for 7,000 years. Do I think Jesus is coming any moment? No, I don’t – and I also believe “this” is preparation for other things we will suffer and experience down the road. But, I DO believe Jesus will return to receive His “bride” and eternity will begin and “life” will be as it was meant to be way back in the first Garden!
So What Should I/We Be Doing?
Redeeming the time. Currently, we all have that one thing we wish for all year, “If only we had more time.” We have it before us. Use it. All those things we would do, “if only.” If only is here. Write the book. Plant the garden. Wash the windows. Detail the car. Clean the house from top to bottom. Paint the living room. Clean out the kitchen cabinets. Learn to macrame. Write the song. Play the instrument. Spend more time with your kids. Read the book. Watch the movie. Pray longer. Study more.
You get my drift.
What Next?
My guess is as good as yours. I am fervently and actively praying for our President and Vice-President to make the right decisions regarding the future of our country. If we aren’t praying? We better not be griping or complaining.
I am writing cards and letters. Donating where it is prudent, for such a time as this. Sharing food. Offering an ear. Encouraging neighbors. Offering hope. Sitting out on the front porch every chance I get. I’m reading fiction that’s been piled up. I’m cooking up a storm! Feeding the birds!
Just doing the next thing. One foot in front of the other. Every.Single.Day.
One of the saddest things I’ve seen online is my friend, Mary in Ohio, visiting her grandson on Easter day. She was outside in the yard and her little guy was inside at the window. He’s just barely one-year old and didn’t have a clue – probably thought Mimi was playing peek-a-boo with him. No cuddles, no hug, just kisses through glass.
And, one of the funniest things? Available at an Etsy shop!
Hang In!
Call me or drop me a message if you just need to vent – it’s okay – venting is the only way to remain cool!
Just what Dr. Jesus ordered.
He wrote the RX!!!
Thumbs up!
Sestra, amen.
Needed this! And, thank you for lending your ear yesterday!
Love you!
My ears are the one part of my old self that still function quite well!!!!
Thanks Susie.
I like that we have more quiet time. More time for prayer and resting in the Lord. More time to ponder and just BE. The gift of time that’s the Lord is giving us in these days.
Ali, that is absolute truth. Are you in the mountains yet?
The current days have thrown dark shade,
and really have played hob
with the lofty plans we’ve made,
but get on with the job,
for your work is Kingdom toil,
and it does not cease,
tho’ you bathe in boiling oil,
and tho’ you find no peace,
for to rest may mean the death
of a soul you might have saved,
and this is real life, not a test;
therefore, my friend, be brave,
for one day the King will come,
and to you will say, “Well done!”
Please no boiling oil. No blades. No flames. Please, kool-aid only.
xo
Yeah, me, too. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and the scars.
XOXOXO
Hear ya brother!
You are such a love and encourager! If I can get my thoughts together, I’ll try to send you an email. Sadly, being sick this long seems to be playing keepaway with my brain. I’m sleeping away half the pandemic — which might just be a blessing. I know people are enduring far worse than what I have going.
Love you, Sus’.
Sleep away my friend
Soon this will end
And your mind be sharp
And maybe you’ll play the harp!
My poetry is not near as good as Andrew’s above!!!
Sometimes we need to just talk. I met a friend in a parking lot yesterday. We each sat in our cars with the windows rolled down to talk. We needed to “see” each other. That is enough for now but not forever.
The picture of Jack and me is my hope and the perfect picture of what love looks like right now.
P.S. I am writing the book and I cannot wait for you and many others to read it. God is leading the way on such a beautiful offering.
Consider me a “first reader” please!!!!!
This is good, practical, Godly…………..and I love it. And I thank you!
Practical is my middle name!
Redeeming the time. So many great applications there! Refreshing post for sure!! Hope your week is going well….
Jennifer, it is and I hope yours is as well!!!
I love this, Susan —> “I Still Have Hope! Because my hope is anchored in The One who never changes, who has my best interest at heart, and knows the ending from the beginning.” and your thoughts on redeeming the time! I hope we don’t look back on this unique time in history and realize we wasted it.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Patsy, I pray not. xo
You are so right – this IS what we wish for all year. More time! Hubby and I have been working on gardening on the days when the weather cooperates and cleaning the basement on days when it doesn’t. Thanks for the encouragement!
Laurie, He gives us the desires of our hearts, amen? xo
Love it! “Just doing the next thing. One foot in front of the other. Every.Single.Day.”
And really, isn’t that our mission in life anyway?
You know, Jerralea, it really is!
Susan, so thankful for you and your encouragement. Love the line, if you’re not praying, you better not be griping and complaining.
I’m so thankful for YOU!