“Wait for the Lord and keep his way.”

Psalm 37:34a

Every morning after I pour myself a cup of coffee, I mark the calendar hanging next to our refrigerator. Today the mark is 75. It’s been 75 days since the shelter in place started in the DMV area. 

This order has drug on for almost 2 1/2 months, and now, there’s an end in sight. “Phase One” goes into effect Friday, May 29, for us living in Northern Virginia, which will allow us some more “freedom” over movement in the area. There are still restrictions in place such as mandatory wearing a mask when going into a store, at least in Virginia. We can get a haircut again and perhaps soon eat out at our favorite restaurant. We keep hearing that “the new normal” won’t look anything like the old normal.

Each of us has our own story to write about what we have experienced in these difficult times. Some have lost friends and family members to this horrid virus. Learning to homeschool our children while working has been difficult. Perhaps the levels of frustration have grown high not knowing what the future holds. Personal events postponed such as graduations, weddings and travel plans have added to the disappointment.

The scripture today reminds us that waiting on God and keeping to his way in our lives is important. It’s always easy to say or think, “Oh just be patient,” but of course, it’s never easy to do.

The promise is simple. If we submit to God our all, in His time, he will honor us.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

 1 Peter 5:6

These circumstances have been out of our control, but what remains in our control is how we respond. Let us remember to treat others with kindness and love. Let us remember to rely on the fact that God’s timing in all of this is much better than our own.

Prayer

“Help me today, O Lord, to remember that your timing is always perfect.  Allow me to understand that while I wait on you, you are waiting right beside me. Amen.”