SURELY MY HAIR DOTH GROW LONGER: PONDERINGS OF A PANDEMIC

“Vanity, vanity—all is vanity.”

Talking to my daughter, she quoted a friend: “We’re about two weeks out from knowing everybody’s real hair color!”

Perhaps our real character will also show through.

I left a message for my hairdresser of over twenty years—to chat.

As we wound up the conversation, she said, “I thought you were going to give me a word from God.”

Surprised, I replied, “Do you need a word from God?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Then, yes, I have a word from God: ‘Don’t be afraid. We don’t know what is happening, but God does. And the main thing God wants out of this pandemic is for us to realize we cannot deal with all this alone, and we finally come to the point where we humbly ask God to help us.

“And He will.”

“Thanks.”

“You are very welcome.”

VERSE OF INSIGHT: “No one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. … Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:13-17

((Who are the self-employed small business owners who help you on a weekly/monthly basis?

Pray for them. Talk to them.))

Little Robots, Wheels Spinning: PONDERINGS DURING A PANDEMIC:

Suddenly we are brought to a time of self-isolation.

What a strange sight to see teeming city streets changed overnight to stark emptiness.

And at home we are little ‘self-contained’ robots with wheels continually turning.

Through this pestilence, You have lifted us—breaking contact with our self-determined tasks and goals and aspirations.

Lord, we look to You to redirect our focus. May we see You in Your power and glory as true ruler of this world without borders.

You alone are worthy of our praise. Help us see You at work in our lives in a new way during this unusual time.

Meditating today on 2 Chronicles 20:15 and Hebrews 13:15-16.

A RIDDLE OF TIME: PONDERINGS OF THE PANDEMIC:

IN THIS TOGETHER!

WHAT ARE WE MOSTLY OBLIVIOUS OF? AND IT INCREASES WITH AGE!

We write lists to remind ourselves of lots of things:

1.       TO DO list for today.                                              

2.       TO DO list for this week.

3.       TO DO list for next week … next month … year …

4.       TO DO list for “When I get around TO IT.”

Have you ever received a “wooden nickel” that said “TO IT”? Well, I have.

With all that’s being said about the coronavirus we are reminded of our age.

We were most aware of our age before we turned 21—as in “When I’m 5, I can go to Kindergarten!”

Or “When I’m 12, I can ride the roller coaster at the theme park!”

And “When I’m 16, I can drive.”

“When I’m 18 (nowadays), I can vote.”                                  

And a new, kinda scary one is “When I’m 26, I can’t continue on my parents’ insurance policy.”

Adults don’t really notice another birthday much—unless you’re turning over the calendar to a number with a BIG ZERO in it. Coming up on 30, there were all those suggestions that we were not young anymore. “Over the Hill” party décor for your unkind family and friends to laughingly feature in the celebration.

Being both practical and positive, I chose to come up with my own refrain for my approaching Thirtieth. “Yea! I won’t be doing everything for the first time any more!” These are three of the fearsome firsts that come to mind: buying a car, buying a house, dealing with a car mechanic.

The comedian Jack Benny avoided being 40 for several decades by sheer denial. I chose to embrace 40 with this denial: “I’m not getting older, I’m getting better!” I was at least better at dealing with car mechanics.

When the 50th rolled around, it became more difficult to claim youth, but my motto became “I’m not just getting older; I’m getting wiser.”

At 60, a whole new era of possibilities opened up. With fewer responsibilities tying me in one place, my motto became “I’m older with so . many . new . opportunities!”

So, what’s happening with the pandemic?

They’re reminding me I’m not as young as I used to be.

They’re reminding me I am not as young as I think I am.

They’re reminding me, I am in the ‘at risk’ category.

But I still say, “When I grow up, I want to be just like my 91-year-old friend!

And for now, I’m putting my feet up and reading a book.

Check out my books here for yourself. And enjoy!