These are times that will be remembered for many generations. As a senior in college, I have had to give up many things because of this illness which has spread swiftly and without prejudice. I admit, I was quite frustrated and angry at first. My plans had been thwarted. My plans had been erased. My plans had been changed and some are even at risk of being canceled. Regardless, they were my plans. Nobody likes to have their plans changed and I am no exception. However, we can spend our time sulking and complaining about everything or we can take this time to think on what is good and right then act on them. By doing this, we accept God's will for our lives and let go of our will. The person who can do this is certainly an overcomer as this is very difficult to do.
I know that I had a great deal of plans for the end of my semester. It was a very busy plan. However, the are times when we need to stop and spend some time alone with God. This does not mean that we hide away in a tower of solitude for eternity. It is a pause in our lives to rest. Yet we do not rest in the world or those we love, we find rest, complete rest, in God. Being with someone you love can bring peace and rest to you but nobody nor nothing can give you the satisfying rest that is found in the shadow of the wings of God.
With these thoughts in mind, we most take this time that has been forced upon us to pause and rest. Then, we must reflect. How often do we get to stop our busy lives to a slow molasses speed and do things vital things? Pausing, resting, reflecting are all things that help us to keep going and grow in our spiritual faith. Reflect on your past both distant and near. The past teaches us lessons which must be remembered. But it can also give us hope. We have gone through great trials before. We have changed since we first came to know the Lord. Things can change in the future for the better and we will continue to grow in our faith.
So, we pause, rest, reflect, and then we give thanks. While we cannot ignore the hardships we have gone through or are going through, we should not linger our thoughts on what is bad in our lives as that will only lead to despair. We must seek out the good and give thanks to God the Father who granted those things to us. Focusing ourselves on the good in our lives helps us to have hope.
When we have hope, we can look toward the future without fear or worry. We know that God is in control and holds us in his hands. So, pause and stop running around trying to do everything. Rest in God's presence. Reflect on all God has done, is doing, and will do in your life. Acknowledge that which you do not like but cannot change and give thanks to God for all the good things and people He has placed in your life. Take this time to embrace your inner cat 😺 and take each day slowly one day at a time. What will you do in your time off?
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