I'm fortunate that during this time of sheltering in place, I'm able to find joy. I'm a super social person, my career, my church life, sports. I love being involved and busy. Yes, I may complain about busy-ness some days. Being busy is what drives me, what keeps me on my toes. Keeps me striving to be better. Well, let's just say there is no time for busy during a shelter in place. Lol. I've been forced to slow down, but I'm doing it on my terms. There have been so many things during normal life that I say I'm just too busy for...now I have the time.
I don't believe God brought this virus, but I do believe He's asking us all, "What are you gonna do with the time?" When I first was realizing I'd be off work for who knows how long, I started to fret...What about money and clients? It's easy to get caught up in the fretting. I know that I needed to let it go, to just trust in Jesus. He's got this.
I finally have time for delving into the Bible beyond my daily devotion, beyond my lessons for the kiddos (that I absolutely miss soooooo much), beyond what I was willing to take time to do before. It's hard to believe that I was just too busy in life to worry about learning and delving into my own salvation that Jesus gave to me. There are a lot of things I can't wait to get back too, the list is long for all of us I'm sure. But what I can't wait NOT to get back to is doing the bare minimum. NOT letting the busy-ness of life stop me from doing more for the kingdom of Jesus.
I know that Jesus is leading my path, that's why I feel joyful. That's not to say I haven't had moments. I've been scared, frustrated, lonely, and irritated. I just need to choose to put my trust in Him. Jeremiah 17:7 says "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord."
There is no need to worry. I Peter 5:7 tells us to 'take all your worries and cares to God because He cares about you."
Don't fear. John 14:27 says we can confidently say, the Lord is my helper, I shall not fear, God knows what we need way better than we do.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us that "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
If you in any way are struggling during any of this pandemic, I'm here to listen. I don't want anyone who is not feeling the joy to be too afraid to reach out or feel in some way you aren't doing it right if you don't feel joyful and happy. I hope we can all find ways to cling to God's promises and use this opportunity to grow in our faith, trust and love of Him.
-Angie P.