How Will We Remember this Next Year?

Will it be a time of limitations, restrictions, confinement? Or will it be remembered as a time of realignment, intimacy, rest?

I am one of these people who long for simpler times, though I love technology and all the ease it provides.  When I read old magazines and books, I am enthralled with the 50’s. The kind that ‘I like’: Being with family, domestic, going to church, Sunday drives, etc… Think ‘Leave it to Beaver’, but with all the bonuses of our time in the 21st century.

At first, when all the restrictions of going out developed (in response to mitigating the spread of COVID 19), so rapidly, I felt a lot of uncertainty and deep concern. Just before I got used to one restriction, another change came out, hmmm…. I was looking for Jesus in the boat, knowing He will calm the storm, but when nothing changed, did I not wake Him up?

I do not like change that much. I suppose that is why we are reminded in Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. That is comforting.

So I looked for bible studies (I am in Job for some reason), and more scripture reading to enjoy during this time. I planned on gardening, exercising at home, even painting, and then more changes came. My family started working from home, Praise God they could.  My time became divided however, and I was thankful that I had the opportunity to have more time with them (insert “stressed”, since it was yet another change, but it is also what I love ). At the same time, I was trying to reconcile my ‘planned times’ with sharing time with my family more. I knew it was a blessing.   My plans, however, were not God’s plans. Then I explored and navigated other plans in my mind until, yes, I finally got there; I let God direct me. I suppose I like taking the scenic route.

He had different plans for me. The blessing of family and to share in the complete Passover. I have done the Seder before, but not ever to the completion of the 8th day; the crossing over to the promise. Which we have because of Jesus, but to participate in something like this (virtually) with the symbols and the scriptures gave me more depth of appreciation of His scriptures for the Passover. It is more than I can express here.  We were able to share in it this year (and His Resurrection), just like the Israelites did for the first one; in our homes, with our family units, and this was enlightening! Did you know that on April 17th, that day was something called “the crossover”, which was the very same day that the U.S. revealed a plan to open our country back up?  And the next celebration is Pentecost or Shavuot for the Jewish people. Theirs is 50 days from the second day of Passover, and ours is 50 days from Easter. I got excited.  What a time we are in! God is doing something BIG here, and I am looking forward to what He has for us! Think about it, we have “crossed over” this time, and are entering into more of His promises.  (Acts 2:1-31)

So during this time, I have read the gospel of John online aloud (this is a big deal for me, I do not like to hear my voice).  This reached my family in Turkey, which had almost become a forgotten prayer for me, but not for God. He heard me the first time I prayed this!

I rededicated my daily plans to the Lord. About time, right? And yes, we are enjoying our Sunday drives, though they are on Mondays, and I do pack a picnic.

Planting (lost two plants only so far, to the snails. Lol), exercising with my husband, (which has been on our bucket list for retirement) and most of all; Rest; sweet undivided Rest in the Lord. I am even getting snail mail; my sister- in- law is a quilter and my friend writes cards.  The neighbors are out front, one even baked bread and gave a loaf to everyone on our street (much earlier of course). The kids are out riding bikes in the street, neighbors walking and riding bikes… social distancing of course.  The focus is on the day, not tomorrow. For the Planner in me, well, I am cleaving to our Lord and trusting Him all the way. How precious in this time that the enemy meant for evil? Our Heavenly Father is realigning according to His will.  I am a news-junkie, so I am constantly turning this over daily to Jesus. When I take my eyes off of Him and look at the world, or even the stores, I feel like Peter sinking in the water, and I cry out to Jesus.

 I hope I will remember this time as an intimate rest as I say, “yes, Jesus, yes” and then listen.

I do want to reach out to those who are missing loved ones at a distance or a greater distance…. of passing. My heart goes out to you and I pray that you are comforted. If I could, I would hug, pray and cry with you right now!  I wait dearly for the day we can, but for now I pray that our Comforter is with you, and with those whom you love.

Psalm 34:17-18

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them          from all their troubles

  18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are              crushed in spirit.

    Blessings of the moments, In His Most Holy Name.

~Ayse