One week ago, there was a sense of low-level tension and anxiety. In just one week, so much has changed. Tensions grew and by this time last week, the news was spreading about the concerns for the US to help stop the spread of Covid-19. We were receiving reports out of Italy as to how the rate of spread outweighed the hospital’s capacity to care for everyone who needed it.

They are triaging patients and have to make decisions as to who even has a chance to be treated or not. All I could think of was, “This is what happens in war. This is war.” Not a war against nations, but a war against good and evil. An assault on our planet, on our humanity, on our faith.

Our whole world is experiencing something we never have before. Schools, places of work, and whole industries are shut down in efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19. Our goal is not to collapse our healthcare system. People are staying at home. For now, most are doing so voluntarily, but in other places in the world, such as Italy, whole countries are on lockdown. Even parts of our country are on lockdown and the changes are happening almost hourly.

Called to Peace

In times of crisis, where do we turn? When we are scared, where do we put our trust? When things are so out of our control, how do we find peace? It’s no coincidence that I chose peace as my word for 2020. How do I now live in peace in the midst of a worldwide pandemic? As of today, we are still on the upswing of the cases being reported here in the US. We have no idea how bad this will become for quite some time. Things will become much, much worse before they are better.

In these unprecedented times, how do we ground ourselves in God’s peace? When life is unpredictable, I turn to gratitude. When I feel like things are out of my control—my comfort is gratitude.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Col. 3:15 NIV)

What I’m grateful for in the midst of uncertainty  

1.  I’m home. Our family is together. My kids are here are while we are all recovering from colds, we are still healthy.
2. We have internet and other utilities.
3. We have food and the ability to get more if we need it.
4. Our doctors have been sending us messages and keeping us updated on best practices to care for ourselves and our children.
5. My parents are self-isolating in their home and are okay.
6. I have the luxury to chat with friends via phone, text, or FaceTime
7. I can still attend counseling sessions remotely via technology
8. My kids can still keep somewhat of a routine at home thanks to their school implementing eLearning and the technology we have to allow for that.
9. I can still attend Bible study via online video conferencing.
10. My Bible reading plan is a comfort when I wake every day to the unknown.
11. I am grateful for the front line people. The doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who can’t take time off. They are putting themselves at risk to care for others. I am grateful for the utility workers who keep the lights on and the internet working. I’m grateful for the grocery workers, farmers, suppliers, who are stocking our shelves and the truckers who get the items there.
12. I am thankful for those who are sifting through information and sharing science.
13. I am thankful for exercising at home.
14. I’m thankful for fresh air and walking outside.
15. The sun was out the other day. Knowing we were headed into several days of rain and dreariness, I was extra grateful for the warmth that day.
16. I love seeing the kindness of others during this time. People helping each other and loving their neighbors.

God is in the center. He is my peace. My rock. My anchor. My compass. When I feel overwhelmed, I can calm myself by listing things I’m thankful for. Because it’s all from Him. He makes me brave, even when I fear. I can rest knowing He is in control. 

…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Col. 2:7 NIV)

Will you join me in the practice of being grounded in gratitude? Please share with me what you are thankful for. And if I can be praying for you, please send me a comment or message and I would be honored to pray for you.

* If you’d like to receive my #Friday5, sign up here.