Right now, I feel that all that is left for us to hold onto is what matters most.
We can’t hold onto excess or the extra.
We can only choose the essential and vital as we wait for this pandemic to end.
Most of us have to choose family over friends, intimate connection over gatherings, DIY projects over immaculate vacations, stillness over spontaneity.
What matters the most right now as we face another stay at home order?
What matters the most in this time of waiting?
Many of us are waiting for the next stimulus check, waiting for normalcy, waiting for the rite of passage to reconnect with loved ones, waiting for the next breath in our lungs, waiting for passion to echo in our soul, waiting for our favorite oasis to reopen, waiting and more waiting.
Waiting and hope go hand in hand. Waiting builds expectations, but the attitude of heart in the waiting can also make the heart sick and tired.
I feel like there is a giant sieve being shaken under mankind where all that is left once all is sifted is what matters most, and as I am going through the shaking personally, I am finding it isn’t the closed places, missed opportunities, finances, or even spontaneity that is left on my sieve; it is faith, hope, and love.
These are the 3 words that I am choosing to place my hope in during this time of waiting, and I am choosing to persevere in the wait, be patient in the wait, and not be a toddler throwing a tantrum in this wait.
The attitude of the heart does not speed or change time if anything it can make it slower and even more disheartening when you choose to live today waiting for the future.
This future, this pandemic, is unpredictable, and why live in that conversation of “I will be happy when”.
All faith, hope, and love are accessible here and now even in the midst of this shaking; you just need to take time to see it.
It is noticed in its simplicity not in the ornate and lavishness.
These gifts are humble and only will be seen if you are looking for them.
I found faith in my nephew and niece’s carefree smiles.
I found hope and joy in a round of playing Jenga with my family.
I found love being face to face, undistracted by excess or entertainment, with my husband.
I challenge you today to abide in faith, hope, and love and savor whatever is left on your sieve.
Choose to truly exist in the moments you have today.
Choose to savor and truly hold onto your loved ones that you get to see.
Allow your creativity to be fully unleashed.
Choose to be fully present to the stillness of this season.
“Let the joy of the Lord be a peace that never fails.
Be your anchor in the waves.
Stronghold through the wind.
May the love of Christ keep you fully satisfied through the trials and the storms.
Let it guide your way home to hope.
The joy comes in the morning.
The promises He has guides us to hope.”