Time for another monthly installment of Share Four Somethings – for the month of March. This month certainly needs no introductions. It is one that will forever be etched in the history books and in our memories. This pandemic and its resulting quarantine – as well as its impact on each of us mentally, emotionally, economically/physically and spiritually – will not be forgotten. These “four somethings” come with that mind.
Something Loved. I am loving technology…and who would have ever imagined those words coming from me. I am the least of the least when it comes to being tech-savvy or even appreciating technology. But what a gift it has been during these days of isolation. Not just texting, but calling, chats, live-streaming, and zooming (oh my!) and I’m sure I am just touching the surface. We are born for connection. No doubt, some more than others but being able to connect with “our people” is more than fun or helpful….it is needed. For each of us. It is healthy and I think it has been wonderful!
Something Read. I (like most of us) have had extra time to read. To read books, news updates, blogs and more than enough opinion. Truthfully, so much of it has been encouraging and thought-provoking. I have been sharpened and challenged. I try to commit as much as I can to memory…which is not always easy for me. Often I need to write things down. Especially quotes. I am drawn to quotes from those who have endured and persevered before us. There are many to choose but I will share just two today – the first from Corrie Ten Boom and the second from Elizabeth Elliott:
“Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
“The life of faith is lived one day at a time, and it has to be lived- not always looked forward to as though the ‘real’ living were around the next corner. It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.”
Something Treasured. Above, I mentioned connecting with “my people.” It is a term my son uses often and I always find it interesting (if not a bit humorous)! You know….the ones you identify with and with whom you feel connected. The people you understand and they understand you. More than ever, I have treasured “my people.” My church family. My Christian friends. Those like-minded in faith and in spirit. They have been a blessing in more ways than they know but I treasure each and every one.
Something Ahead. Dare I say, I am looking forward to returning to normal. If normal simply means the lifting of our quarantine…being able to interact again and to be unrestricted….then, yes, I pray that will soon be ahead. But I pray that I will have learned and been changed by these days am I in right now. And that I will not simply go back to the status quo of pre-quarantine days. I pray the same for our churches, our country, and for believers around this world. God, please use this time to change us. To refine and mold us so we will more fit for your use once the restrictions are lifted. I pray you will be glorified because of these unsettled and unsettling days.
Thank you for these wise, calming words. I don’t really find myself worrying. I feel pretty certain we are safely tucked away at home and won’t get sick. As are those I love most. I am concerned for those less fortunate, those in NY and California. And watching as the number of cases increase here in Texas.
And praying our country’s economy will be able to recover rapidly once the health care crisis has subsided.
Isn’t technology amazing these days? We had a conference call this morning with the health care providers tending my mom in rehab, then I Facetimed and read with my 9 year old granddaughter. We are meant to connect! Even though I can be kind of introverted, I miss the hugs and kisses from my grandbabies.
Stay well, my friend.
Praying that numbers can stay (relatively) low in Texas….I wonder if the heat helps??….and that it will slow (and stop!) in some of these other states. Here in Virginia, the numbers seem to be jumping by the hundreds. So unsettling. So sweet that you can read and enjoy time with your grands – even when apart!! Love it! Have a wonderful weekend. Stay healthy…and thanks for stopping by!!
Hey Jennifer … I just hit the publish button on my 4 Somethings post, too! And yes, our hearts are close as we’ve talked about the same thing. I love when God does that for us …
Bless you.
Looking forward to reading your post….I enjoy the Four Somethings:) As Heather said, hoping to share some positivity! Glad you stopped by this morning!!
I’m looking forward to returning to church too! Our church made the decision several weeks ago to only have online services through May 10.
May 10?? It just seems so far away!! Thanks for stopping by today!!
I’m also especially grateful for technology and how we can use it to stay connected during these days. Praying we return to “normal” again soon – but with some good lessons learned from the experience!
And there are so many good lessons!! So glad you stopped by!
I love that Corrie Ten Boom quote. Thank you for sharing it. I am looking forward to a return to normalcy too. I miss my grandchildren! 🙂
So glad you stopped by today, Laurie! Have a great Saturday:)
Joining you in prayer that when the restrictions are lifted, I am changed as a result. That the new closeness I have found in God remains as well as frequent connecting with family and friends.
I long for the new closeness (with Christ as well as with others) to remains. What a shame it would be if all simply went back to the status quo! Have a wonderful weekend, Mary. Thanks for connecting!
Great quotes! I also love the prayer you share. Great connecting with you during this time of disconnection.
I agree – it has been great to have this extra way to connect!! Have enjoyed the link-up this weekend!! Thanks for stopping by – and leaving a comment!
I really enjoyed your quotes. Thank you for sharing them!
I love the Corrie Ten Boom and Elisabeth Elliot quotes! And I agree with so much of what you’ve written here. I’m grateful for the technology that allows us to stay connected, but also long for the day when we get back to connecting face to face. Also praying that God would be working in all of this to teach us and change us.
Jennifer, I can amen each of your four points. Who would have thought?
This!! -> “But I pray that I will have learned and been changed by these days am I in right now.” YES! Thanks for linking up!