Count Each Blessing
A couple of weeks ago we experienced one beautiful day in the midst of some not so very nice ones. Very little wind, sunshine, and warm temperatures beckoned us outside. Because of this virus, our normal cabin fever is extremely high this year. Also, knowing that this wonderful weather was going to disappear, we all wanted to take advantage of the spring like weather.
So we grabbed our school books and headed outside to our back deck. We also gave the dogs a chance to get outside and enjoy the warm atmosphere. The sunshine raised my spirit just by sitting outside in it. A long time ago, when I was going through my heartbreak of divorce, someone told me that the colors of the green grass, the yellow of the sun, and the blue of the sky were therapeutic. Ever since then when I need some way to lift my mood, I go sit out in the sun.
Sitting in the sunshine, I took the time to be quiet and to just listen. I enjoyed the songs of the birds and watching my dog sniff around in the grass. The sun had heat for the first time this spring and it felt so good. But sitting in the sunshine reminded me that even in this time of “not normal” we need to count our blessings. So here I go:
- Blessing #1: Spending time with my family
This lockdown, even though we are not ordered to stay home, has brought our family together. We have every evening home with each other. Since all of our activities have been cancelled for the rest of the school year, we do not need to rush anywhere. Even though the three of us normally spend all of our days together, we can now be a complete family. I am so much enjoying the blessing of all of the time that we have together.
- Blessing #2: We still have our jobs
In this time when so many people have lost their jobs both my husband and I have been able to keep ours. Last fall I applied for a part time job. Because I work in a place that is considered essential, I am still able to work. My husband is a teacher. He no longer has school for the rest of the year, but he is still working online with his students. His job continues each day, just in a different capacity. God has shown himself faithful once again.
- Blessing #3: I can still homeschool
The closure of schools has not affected our schooling. Nothing has changed our daily schedule, except to spend more time thanking God for what He has done for us. Our homeschooling has kept something firm in our lives in the midst of this uncertainty and fear surrounding us. It also gives us a normalcy that allows us to forget everything that is going on in the world, at least for awhile. Our opportunity to learn together also reminds us of the fact that God has got this situation. Even though I let go of my fears and doubts daily, if not hourly, they come back with just as much regularity. In teaching my children, God reminds me with even more frequency that He hasn’t let go of us. Homeschooling right now has been instrumental in helping me hold to the faith that God has given to me.
- Blessing #4: The internet
There have been many illnesses, pandemics, and outbreaks throughout history. But I have to count the internet as a blessing during this particular outbreak. Everywhere we look we are encouraged to practice social distancing. Our freedom of assembly is gone. The ability to get together with friends, make playdates, or go anywhere beyond necessary is postponed. The feeling of isolation increases as time goes on, but the internet allows us to still connect in some ways. Some of the activities that the kids participate in have gone online so we still have connection that way. Our church services have gone online. It is second best, but at least we can still connect in some way. I am so thankful that we have at least those methods of connection.
- Blessing #5: No major illness
When I first started writing this post I had not gotten sick. However, right now I am recovering from what I think is the coronavirus, although I haven’t been tested. I’ve had to stay isolated from my family for a week, but this has simply been an inconvenience, not anything life threatening. My husband has had minor symptoms, and neither one of my children have gotten sick. With all the fear surrounding this particular virus, and all of the stories of those people who have died, I am so thankful that it has not affected any members of my family in any major way.
- Blessing #6: The promise of spring
Even though it seems as if winter wants to hold on as long as possible, we still do have the promise of spring. As I write there are little patches of snow on the ground and the sky is cloudy, but I have heard the birds sing, and the grass is becoming greener. The ultimate sign of spring, robins, have been seen all over the place, and the weather is gradually getting warmer. So there is light at the end of the tunnel of winter. Winter will end, and we will have warm weather again.
- Blessing #7: God has not left us
Hebrews 13:5
This virus has not take God by surprise. He is not pacing, wringing his hands trying to figure out what is going to happen next. He is in complete control and He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. Some people think that this virus is a judgment from God. Others think that this virus might be the last opportunity that He is giving to get people’s attention.
This virus is another signal that the return of the Lord is close, even though we still don’t know when exactly He will be coming to get us. But as many days that He has given to us yet to be completed we have an opportunity to live for Him. He is closer to us than our breath. He is still in this, holding us up, giving us the grace to keep going day by day. I beg you, trust in Him. He is the only anchor in this storm and He is the only one who will get you through.
In the time of uncertainty and upheaval, can you count your blessings? Can you find the things that you are thankful for? How has God shown His love, mercy, and grace to you? If you have not yet trusted Him and asked Him to save you, do so now! Click the link below to find out how. One thing that we do know about this time is that our time to call on Him is getting shorter. He did not promise tomorrow to us. Call on Him while we still have time!
