It’s easy to gripe right now about everything I don’t like about this world pandemic.
But this week I decided to focus on what I LOVE that I didn’t realize was so enjoyable until the world started going awry. Sometimes we don’t realize what makes our hearts sing until we’re in a situation where we have to start counting our blessings.
Here are four things I discovered I love – despite this crummy state of the world:
- Worshiping the Unchanging One. In a world that has changed so much — and alongside predictions of what might never again be the same — I’m finding much joy in worshipping the One who is age to age the same, and will never change. As I wrote in my devotional book, God’s Whispers to a Woman’s Heart, “[God is] my Rock, not my Roller Coaster — my immovable Rock of Refuge to whom I can always go.” Worship draws us closer to God’s heart. God may be arranging this time to get up close and personal with His children, so let’s take advantage of this time to get up close and personal with Him.
- Hitting the trails every morning and afternoon. I’m blessed to live in a part of the country where the weather is extremely nice this time of the year (all year, really). I’m getting up earlier to run some scenic park trails and I’m leaving my desk in the late afternoons to take reflection walks with God. Never before has it meant so much to me to be outdoors. And never before have I actually seen the results of God resetting creation. I can’t say this enough: There is a freshness to the outdoor world from less cars on the road, less chemicals polluting our air, less people and ships trashing our oceans. I’m seeing more butterflies, and hummingbirds, and even spotted a hawk soaring low over my head last week. I’m noticing a re-emergence of squirrels, little groundhogs, and other critters on the trails where they haven’t been spotted for years. And even though I run into an occasional snake now and then, I wouldn’t miss the beautiful time outdoors in the cool of the evening. It makes me think of the time (and how glorious it must have been) when God walked with man in the garden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). Hitting the trails, breathing in the fresh air, seeing the array of spring colors reminds me that “the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Psalm 24:1).
- Receiving packages from Amazon Prime. Let me clarify this one. Amazon is an author’s (and a bookstore’s) worst enemy. It has driven down the cost of books to where many writers get less than a dollar each for copies of their hard-earned work. Amazon is closing bookstores (and many other kinds of businesses) across the country and it’s the only business (besides maybe Chick-fil-A) that has flourished since the world experienced a quarantine. (Of all the conspiracy theories going around right now about who started this pandemic and why, the one that makes the most sense to me is the one I haven’t yet heard anyone mention — that Amazon did this to take over the world and gain a monopoly on most of the world’s commerce.) Despite how this monster has monopolized nearly every business, it is still fun to get packages in the mail with free next day shipping, and sometimes even same day! And after ordering an out-of-print edition of the Bible called The Promise, and having it shipped directly to my mom on the East Coast, it was super cool to hear my Amazon Alexa tell me (as I was sitting down to breakfast) “The Promise has arrived!” 🙂 More importantly, Amazon Prime has allowed me to discover something else that I absolutely love…
- Sending smiles through the mail. I used to shudder at the cost of shipping anything. Yet, I can now (with my Amazon Prime account) send activity color books to my nephews in Los Angeles so their mom can get maybe 40 minutes of peace and quiet. I enjoyed sending workout shirts to my college friend, Joani, my sister in law, Sophie, and my sister, Kristi (who usually only see packages come in the mail for their kids), and they each delighted me by texting pics of themselves wearing the shirts. My friend’s 7-year-old daughter, Estelle, received a Princess necklace-making set in time for her birthday party on Zoom next week. And I love sending my 83-year-old Dad his favorite Disneyland Resort-themed coffee (from www.Joffreys.com) so he can not only enjoy a cup himself in the mornings, but bring some to friends (while keeping a safe distance away) to provide some momentary cheer in their lives, too. I never realized surprise gift-giving through the mail could bring so much joy to my heart and the hearts of others.
What have you discovered that you love during this time when the world is on pause? I’d love to hear it in the comment section below. (And if you can’t think of anything immediately, ask God to show you the positive side of this pandemic and what He’s been doing in your life as you’ve had to slow down and do things differently.)
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May 19, 2020
24 Comments
on 4 Joy-Givers During This Crummy Pandemic.
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Hi Cindi! Through this time I have discovered that I have lived life in a pause mode. Living in a routine and there’s more to life. I have watched movies like never before, also been reading more. I thank God for this uncertain time because I don’t want to go back to normal👒. For Mother’s Day my kids blessed me with money –it’s been several years that I haven’t worn a skirt. Went online to purchase several skirts and cute sandals. I have always said that the best makeup a woman can wear its her smile🙈 that will be the only complaint I would have about this pandemic time. It covers my 😊. many blessings to you and your loved ones.
Thank you, Miriam, for taking the time to share your thoughts and for joining me in looking for the positive during this pandemic. I appreciate you.
I am in prayer more, reading the bible more and praising God more. He has called me to write a presentation on My personal walk with Jesus at a ladies retreat in Sept. and I am experiencing more and more joyful time with Him as He gives me information to use. I hope you don’t mind if I use any of this article as suggestions toward a deeper walk with Jesus. Let me know if you have a problem with that. I love your articles, they are very encouraging and uplifting.
Charlotte, how exciting that you can use this time to put together your thoughts on your walk with Jesus to present this Fall. I’m glad you have that opportunity. And, of course I don’t mind if you use any info of mine as long as you cite where it came from. However, I believe I have far better, more insightful material than this particular blog piece among my free downloadable articles on my website. But it’s up to you. Use whatever you’d like (Just don’t use the “Amazon prime” example of how to draw closer to Jesus! Ha!)
I love this! I can usually be ‘honest’ about how I’m feeling about something, far too easily (and negativily). But we are SO enjoying this Blessed time home all together knowing it won’t last forever, getting to see my daughter flourishing with homeschooling, getting the individual attention she desperately needed, and definitely receiving gifts in the mail 😉… actually, I’ve had several kind friends drop things by on the porch. They send a quick text to say there’s a surprise waiting at the door, or fun cards in the mail just to say hello. Choosing joy. Choosing to see the blessings and wait on the Lord’s timing 🙏🏼
Thank you, Connie. Your delighted response (and that of your daughters) make you three super fun to send gifts to! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, as always.
I have enjoyed calling ex co-workers who I hadn’t talked to in years.
I’m glad you’re remembering former co-workers and keeping in touch with them, Pamela. Sounds like some of those calls could turn into divine appointments, too. 🙂
During this time, I have enjoyed connecting with old friends via snail mail and the internet. Notes and calls of encouragement are ways to show God’s love.
I love that, Melissa. And I’m sure your friends do, too. There’s nothing like getting a card or letter in the mail that someone took the time to handwrite, stamp, and send. Thanks for sharing how you’re keeping positive.
I cherish the joy of watching 4 little wrens fledge from their nest beside my front door. 2 even landed on my shoe to rest a while before going on their way to their mom and dad. I have it on video! They were so tired during the journey from nest to the ground they trustingly slept on my shoe for a few moments. If not for this pandemic, I would have missed this beautiful reminder of the little miracles that the Lord has given us. I used to never have the “time” to sit outside in my chair for even a few minutes. God is good!!
Pamela, I absolutely LOVE that story. Write it down. Journal it. Keep it so you remember it. Yes, God’s little miracles…and the evidences of His provision and His love. Thank you for making my day with that beautiful little story of a priceless moment.
This is going to sound sooooo selfish, but here goes: My husband is the Head of Security and Head of Ushers at our church. We have church services Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. Never a week goes by but that my husband is either an usher or on security duty, so I sit alone in the service.
Until March 18! That is the day Minnesota was put in lock down, and we have been watching our church services at home through livestreaming since then. And you know what that means? My husband and I have been sitting on our couch, side by side, for the last 26 church services!! That has been the biggest blessing for me. Sitting together, Bibles on our laps, holding hands. It’s the best thing ever. I kinda wish it could stay this way. 🙂
Kathi, you are not selfish for wanting to sit with your husband in (or while watching) a church service. As a pastor’s wife for more than 30 years I absolutely understand. In fact, this past Easter was the first Easter Sunday since my daughter was born (27 years ago) that we all got to have a relaxing, enjoyable Easter morning in which we watched a service together and were able to really focus on Jesus’ resurrection and time together as a family, rather than activity/service/rushing around. In some ways, it was the best Easter ever! 🙂
I have enjoyed doing my genealogy and connecting with distant cousins, doing crafts and checking up on a few neighbors, talking to them from a distance for an hour. It sure lifts their spirits.
The most important is my time with the Lord. Lots of quiet and meditative time spent with Him has allowed me more knowledge and gratefulness in receiving His abundant Love. Basking in that Love which causes me to worship has brought me closer to Him fulfilling a longing in my heart to always know Him more.
That is beautiful, Ramona. Thank you for sharing what you are doing to make the most of this time in a positive, God-pleasing way.
I have had the same thought about Amazon.
You aren’t goofy. What a killing they are making.
😉
Dear Cindi,
I enjoyed your post so much. I have been a full time working Mom since before my son was born. He is 19 now. My husband and I usually have opposite work schedules too; he works evenings/nights and I work during the day. Both my husband and my son have lost their jobs due to this pandemic. The fact that we have been spending so much time together is priceless to me. And I’m not gonna lie, I have truly enjoyed not having to get dressed, hair/make up every day too. Waking up with out feeling rushed to get to work is so calming. The slower pace is strange but I’m am truly thankful for it.
Thank you, Jodi, and I couldn’t agree with you more about the enjoyable situation of not having to “fix up” but just spend quality time at home with those we love. A slower pace changes us for the better, I believe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me and my readers. 🙂
I have been horseback riding, quilting and hiking. And I have been able to spend time with my grandson. So this virus has given me more time to do what I love to do. And be social distancing for the most part.
I’m glad you’re finding quality time moments to spend with your grandson. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jan.
During the long stretch of time stuck at home, I rediscovered my love for reading and writing (& finally have time for both!). My husband is a pastor who, at the onset of the pandemic, moved our church ministry entirely online. In addition to writing and recording his sermons for a newly acquired online audience, he has begun recording Bible studies and even a daily devotional. In the meantime, I lost the ability to minister as church pianist and preschool Sunday school teacher. What could I do? I felt pretty useless! Sensing my desire for a new outlet for ministry, he asked me to begin writing occasional devotionals for our church website. Now, three months later, we are rotating on a daily basis. It’s been such a blessing! With so much time to read God’s Word, and study and reflect on His truths, I have grown to love My Lord so much more deeply. He has given me the opportunity and desire to share the insights I’ve gained with our church family. This writing endeavor had also inspired me to consider writing for a greater audience. I am praying for direction as to where or how that might transpire. Do you have any suggestions or insights for me?
Marlys! I’m so glad to hear that you are discovering your love of writing for the Kingdom during this time when you might’ve thought God had no use for you. Sometimes, within the greater framework of what He’s doing, He removes from us the things we were comfortable in to show us a new arena He wants us to step into. I’m so glad He’s been affirming that writing for Him is the direction to go in that it not only encourages others but feeds your soul. Marlys, check out my coaching options on my website and fill out my “Do We Fit?” questionnaire under “Coaching Services for the Write.” As long as you’re in the U.S., I can arrange a time to give you a complimentary half-hour phone call to encourage you in your writing and see if coaching might be your best option. I hope to hear from you again.