25. Love In the Time of Corona

25. Love In the Time of Corona

So, how are you doing?

These strange days have me thinking of a poem introduced to me (probably when I was in her high school class) by Emma Hall:

NORMAL DAY…

Normal day, let me be aware

of the treasure that you are.

let me learn from you, love you,

bless you before we depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest

of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

let me hold you while I may,

for it may not be always so. one day

I shall dig my nails into the earth,

or bury my face in the pillow,

or stretch myself taut,

or raise my hands

to the sky and want, more

than all the world, your return.

Author: Mary Jean Iron

Weird days, huh? I’ve been enjoying the time for the most part, but I wouldn’t be truthful if I didn't say that I’ve also had anxious moments. Concerns about loved ones, health, my students, my staff, the world...it all races through my mind if I let it. And, usually in the middle of the night. 

How are you coping with the time? It’s funny because time is something many of us wish for on “normal” days. (Whatever those are.) More time with family, some time to get organized, time to cook, time to learn something new, time to love on a neighbor or friend. And yet, now the time can seem daunting because of the unknown-ness surrounding our days.

I don’t have the answers, but the scriptures tell us we should redeem the time and make the most of this gift of time we have been given:

Ephesians 5:15-16  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

I don’t have the answers, but God is sovereign and always working for the good. He has these days just like He has all the other “normal” ones. Daddy’s favorite verse comes to mind:

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I don’t have the answers, but time loving others is always time well spent:

Mark 12:29-31 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

I would love to hear how you are showing #loveinthetimeofcorona. (Thanks, Ann Voskamp for the excellent hashtag.) Share your thoughts in the comments here, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.