“With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” Isaiah 26:9
I remember 9-11. It was an unthinkable tragedy that impacted our entire country. There was intense fear of what might be on the horizon for America, and people trembled wondering if another attack was imminent. I remember a lot of horrible things about that day, but I also remember something wonderful rising from the ashes. Churches across our country were experiencing record attendances; American flags were flying on every city street and country road; strangers were being kind to one another; families were drawing closer to one another, and hope became a sweet fragrance wafting in the air.
I wonder what I will remember from our current situation. How has the coronavirus impacted us today? Will I remember the toilet paper frenzy? Maybe I will think back on the request for “social-isolation” in the attempt to stop covid-19 from spreading. Perhaps I will remember how the churches closed, but the bars stayed open. Maybe I will see the Florida beaches packed with spring break vacationers, or how Congress couldn’t even agree on how to help the American people. No, I don’t think those are the things I will choose to remember.
In future years when I look back on this global pandemic, I will remember how my family rallied together to support one another in our voluntary social-isolation. I will remember how grateful I was that we were all together, living under one roof.
I will remember how my husband and son-in-law went to an empty church building to arrange an online church service, and I will remember sitting with my daughter and granddaughters as we worshipped the Lord with our pastor via livestream in our living room.
I will remember my daughter shouldering the responsibility to keep our household running, and being the protective “mother hen” to my husband and me as she reminded us that we were in the high-risk group and should stay home. I will remember the love I felt (and the tears that fell) when she took that first trip to the grocery store for me.
I will remember all the negativity of social media falling to the wayside as I saw pictures and read anecdotes of how my extended family and friends were doing during their own social-isolations. I will remember how I added my own quips and photos, and how exciting it was to see those “likes” when someone had read or seen my posts.
And I will remember that even in tough times, God continues to bless. Being retired, my life hasn’t been as disrupted as many others. I am still very busy. I still homeschool the girls. I still do laundry, and I still cook and clean. But something is definitely different. My perspective has changed. I realize that when I look at things from a heavenly point of view, I see blessings where before I might have missed them.
Yes, the coronavirus is awful. Yes, social-isolation is difficult to endure. Yes, the future is uncertain. But God continues to bless, and He continues to be God. When I become fearful and life seems overwhelming, I will choose to focus on who God is, how good He has been to me, and the innumerable blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
(from “Count Your Blessings: by Johnson Oatman, Jr.)
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Psalm 138:7
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What gifts has God given you today?