A New Beginning Is Coming…

A New Beginning Is Coming…

“Brothers and sister, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:13-14

a few thoughts that have been drifting about…

Any way you look at it the past few weeks have been challenging.  Not everyone has been affected in the same way.  Many of us miss gathering for worship.  Others are lonely because of the separation from family.  Some have lost jobs…others are having to work 20 hour shifts.  Teachers are missing students and those students are missing their friends. Church buildings are empty…schools are closed…retail stores closed…restaurants are take out only.

But…there is another side to this coin.  Parents are learning to appreciate teachers in a whole new way.  Fellowship among Christians is now appreciated rather than taken for granted.  Families are spending more time together than ever before.  Games are being played…puzzles put together…bike rides being taken…closets being purged and readied to share. His Church is expanding beyond the walls.

Then…we have families that are struggling because there is one parent trying to “do it all”.  Tensions that were manageable before are boiling over.  Choices are having to be made…electricity or gas?  Car payment or insurance?  Food or prescriptions?

hard for some…harder for others…and impossible for many of us to imagine.

I’ve heard it said when “this” is over…life as we know it will be different.  Our country will have changed.  Personally, I hope so.  Here are some changes I pray take place…

1. We value family relationships and continue to spend quality time with one another. Time spent together without outside “noise” intruding on those moments when true memories are made.
2. We embrace fellowship with our Christian friends. Fellowship that extends beyond the walls of the building and becomes a part of our daily lives.  A mingling of families sharing dinners together, playing cards, getting to know one another on deeper levels.  Our children learning these are important relationships to develop.
3. We seek out those who have struggled and comfort them with not only words but actions. We truly show the love of our Father.
4. We speak respectfully about our educators. We treat teachers and administration in such a way that shows our children and others that even when we do not agree with something, we understand they are doing the best they can. 
5. We learn that quiet time is an important part of life and we must know how to “BE STILL”. Being still is a time to reflect about our life, our situation and things we see around us.  We all need quiet in our lives…and we need to use that time wisely.
6. We continue to Study His Word and Share His Word as liberally as we have done during this time.
7. We do not stop making those phone calls and checking on those who are alone or struggling.
8. We don’t forget the healing power of touch. We show empathy. We show love.

A couple of years ago I wrote down a few things I wanted to focus on in the coming year.  Here’s my list from then and it works just as well now…in these circumstances.

1. Pleasing in your sight: Let decisions be made that will please God.  From friendships to attitudes towards the “hustle and bustle” and my tendency to sometimes get frustrated when things don’t go my way
2. Make room for more: Look around, find someone who needs me.  This doesn’t have to be the homeless person on the street corner.  Look in a nursing home, look in the hospitals, look down the street, look on my pew.  Find someone – make room.
3. Let it go:  This time will end.  Start fresh.  Think about the good, the bad and the ugly.  Focus on the good.  Finish this time strong.  Don’t let hurts or disappointments interrupt my joy.  Forgive.
4. Keep building:  Determine what has been done right.  Think about what can be done better – trash the rest.  Build on the positive.  Go into the future fresh with a clear perspective of what and who I want to be.

These are just rambling thoughts that have been rolling around in my head the past few days.  What are your thoughts?  What are you learning from this pandemic of 2020?  How can it impact your life…for good?

A new start…A new beginning…It’s coming, let’s be ready.

Listen to His Voice,

Lee Ann