IF YOU CAN’T GET OUT OF IT, LEAN INTO IT

“Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have 

already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that which 

Christ Jesus took hold of me.    Phil. 3:12

I use my phone to make grocery lists, to take notes from sermons and to write down ideas that grab my attention.  Back in Augusts of 2017, I wrote the words, “if you can’t get out of it, lean into it.”  I don’t remember where or why or even who uttered those words, but today I find they speak to me. 

Since February, I have made plans for the worst-case scenario.  Just in case the virus became widespread, I stocked up on Vitamin C and extra food.  I never considered we would be separated at least six feet from our little worlds.  It never entered my mind that I would not be able to see my children and grandchildren whenever I took a notion.  This morning, as I lay in my safe, comfortable bed, I told the Lord, “I’ve lost patience with this virus!”  (In my spirit, I might have heard, that He was losing patience with me!)


As I took my coffee and Bible to the table and began to pray, I wondered what God’s plan was for me in 2020.    I wondered what His plan was during coronavirus.   I wondered if God was finished with me. The Scriptures above spoke to me this morning.  God took hold of me when I was a young girl and placed a calling on my life, but I’m not currently doing a good job with that calling.  


The fact is, we are all stuck where we are until this virus runs its course.  Lives are being changed and challenged daily, but there is no getting out of it.  It’s time we “leaned into it” and looked for the places God wants to use us in this time.   


What is it that Christ took hold of you to do?  How are you using the gifts he bestowed on you?  Churches and Schools have moved online.  Singers are singing online.  People are standing outside doors and windows encouraging others.  Neighbors are praying and applauding those who work in healthcare.  Ask Him how He wants you to minister during these trying times. Then let’s all get busy!

P.S  If I can pray for you, please let me know.  I've got nothing but time!

A FEW FUNNY THOUGHTS

  

Yesterday I posted an entry that was spiritual and a little serious about this pandemic.  Here are a few things that I think on that are not so serious.  

1. Everyone is locked at home and there is really nothing on the television worth watching.  We don’t want to stay on the news channels, or we would lose all hope.  I wonder if others are watching as much of HGTV as we are.  David walked in the other day to see me measuring a wall to tear down.  He said NO.  He is so rude, I mean what does “load bearing” mean anyway.  

2.    A note for future pandemics, the “bob” haircut is not aging well in the days of no hair appointments.   I currently look homeless and David is watching YouTube videos to see if he can help me out. 

3.  I have washed my hands so much they have aged decades beyond my years (and trust me there are not that many decades to age beyond my years.)


4.   I’m trying to sleep more so that I will not be awake so many hours that can lead to more eating.  This practice has led to possible bed sores!

5.    I downloaded a guide to declutter your house in 30 days.  We fell apart on day 1.  

6.  Because of our lack of success in #5, we are so grateful, we are not needing to homeschool anyone. 

7.  Desperate times call for desperate measures, I have started a sourdough starter.  You have to remember to "feed" it every day.  Because of #5, I'm a little concerned it might starve.  My Pioneer friend, Connie, is going to be so proud of me!

8.  We have a little Yorkie, Sassy, that we have spoiled so much.  We are now discussing what will happen to her little rotten self if something happens to us.  She is very needy, but super cute.  If we get sick, I will be taking applications.

You guys take care.  You are greatly loved and fervently prayed for.