Newness

As the daffodils bloom and the trees start budding, we do realize that spring is in the air (despite the covering of snow we received in New Hampshire yesterday)!  The promises of spring continue to amaze me.  As much as I love autumn, it is the advent of nature "hibernating" through winter.  Spring seems to be the beginning of new life for nature.

With many of us social distancing and ensuring we are not physically close to family and neighbors, nature has become our resolute.  Getting outdoors, whether it is a short walk or a long hike, has soothed our souls.  How thankful I am that, if the virus needed to spread to the US, it did so in spring, so we may all be able to get outside!

There are many new areas that are being explored by all of us during this period of social distancing.  There are also many areas where our priorities have changed (and many feel - for the better).

• Family dinners are becoming a mainstay versus an exception.  Families are cooking together, sharing grace together, and eating together.  Some may do so virtually (as our family does), some get the opportunity to do that in their own homes.  Either way, we are finding a way to gather around our tables again - without the external distractions.
• Appreciation of nature has taken over social media.  People are focusing on the beauty of what is around us - the buds on the trees, the beautiful flowers.  Even yardwork has become a joy.  Before, we may have taken a walk to get our steps in.  Now, we are walking and noticing the world around us.
• Heralding our heroes is the new norm - and how wonderful is this!  We have moved our attention from the socialites to the delivery people & grocery workers,  from the athletes to the teachers & food pantry workers, from the concert halls to the hospital rooms filled with nurses & doctors, and the list goes on.  Realizing who our true heroes are and cherishing these folks makes us understand the importance of ALL roles in life.

I am certain that each of you can add to the list above. I have heard the question "Where is God?" in all of this.  He is in the points above.  He is right there with us, through all of the struggles.  He is with the family member who may be in a hospital bed.  Although we can't be there with them, our Dear Lord is right by their side.  He is with the person who is lonely in their home - letting them know they are truly loved.  He is with the nurses and doctors, guiding their gifted hands every day and helping them to get up for the next shift.  He is with you and me, providing us hope and showing us how we can help.  He is here, friends, for every single person; those who believe in Him and those who don't.  He is here!  Just as he was raised from the dead for our new life, He is providing a new life for all of us.

Many are stating that they can't wait to get back to normal.  I believe, as do many, that our normal will be changed forever.  I also believe that this is not a bad thing.  Maybe we needed to get self-corrected, maybe we needed to reset our priorities.  I do know one thing.  Our Lord and Savior will never leave us alone, today or in the days to come.  He has given us a new heart and new flesh to do His will in the days ahead.  My our hearts, our hands, and our souls be ready for it!!

Dearest Jesus, thank you for creating us anew.  May we take this time of inward reflection and come out on the other side ready to do your will.  Help us to not lose sight of the precious gifts you have given us and let us always hold onto them.  Provide us a new journey where our priorities are your priorities.  In your saving grace we ask this, Amen!