Over the past months it’s easy to recall the fear, not only from an unseen viral enemy, but from the hatred and havoc some humans have wrecked.
Yet, when I recall Philippians 4:8, those thoughts aren’t what God wants me focusing upon. So why do I allow them first and foremost in my head?
In these certainly trying times, we need to try find the positive.
And there are many!
- My husband and I could work from home.
- Our kids, even our college student all did school from home, (so thankful for internet!)
- I lost my dining room table to loads of Legos (for three months!) but we all gained mountains of fun memories building cities and sharing laughs.
- We took the time to learn many new recipes. We finally learned how to baked bread from scratch.
- We had family movie night multiple times a week- everyone, including the dog, piled onto our king-sized bed, snuggled in blankets temporarily escaping with Disney to a land far, far away. We built many fond memories!
- As summer descended we completed many home improvements and planted new gardens.
- And the list goes on!
But most importantly, we had many, many, important conversations. We shared dreams. Our kids asked philosophical questions and we had time to answer. Together we read Scripture stories and memorized verses. I got to share over many months, a recounting of a lifetime of prayers answered and how an intentional pursuit of God has made all the difference in my life. These moments with my girls are now fond memories tucked away in my heart and theirs.
Yes, it has been challenging, and sobering, and saddening. Every evening at 7:00 we pray for the world. (We have reminders set in our phones, but even when this is over, we have each decided we must keep this habit!)
Some days are harder than others, yet we chose an attitude of gratitude.
God has us. In hard times and during the easy ones. We do everything possible to help where needed and to stay safe. Then we choose to use this time for good.
One day this unprecedented time will just be a memory. We want our family to look back and recall some positives.
Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11b: “I have learned to be content no matter what the circumstances.” (NIV)
Maybe like me, you find that challenging, especially now. Practicing a Philippians 4:8 mindset will help us get closer to that goal!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You see and You know what’s happening today. Help me to focus on the positive:
the things that are true, (not the what-ifs),
the honorable, (not the horrors),
the just, (not all that’s unfair),
the lovely, (not the ugly),
the commendable, (not the despicable),
and the moral excellence, (it is there, we just need to look!).
You promise when I do this, I will experience Your peace. That is what I need! Please help me exude gratitude even during a pandemic. In Jesus’ name, Amen.