A Light in the Darkness.

Many of us will remember this spring of 2020 as a time of the Virus or better known as Covid 19.  We are besieged with how and what to do; when and where to go; no meeting with friends etc.  We witness a surge of bungling experts, over-reaching government mandates, riots and mayhem in our cities; insane proposals to change in our laws.

As a consequence, ordinary Americans have lived through three months of fear and uncertainty.  Many remain unemployed, businesses closed as well as church assemblies.   Across the country, looters and vandals sacked thousands of stores and businesses are set on fire.  There is hatred and killings.  We ask ourselves,” is America finished? “

We as believers hold fast to our faith.  God is in control, but He also allows us to make choices.  This is nothing new of course.  He also has provided for us happiness and peace if we but know where to look.  Just watching current events or reading the daily paper one might fall into bleak moods or despair.  However, we all can find solace in the little bits of pleasure that come our way.  They are given by the One who can bring joy out of sorrow. 

First: Limit the News.  Yes, keep yourself informed and keep abreast of the turmoil but then take a walk.  Spring has brought us the joy of being able to see life blooming all around.
 Luke 12:27  ”Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

Third: Counting our Blessings.  Many of us, including me, have trouble with that one.  We get so wrapped up in disasters large or small that we forget the good in our lives.  Just dropping  a bottle of milk on the floor can send me into a funk.  But then I still had more in the frig.  I had food for dinner and we never go hungry!  I am blessed to be able to give to others.  
Proverbs 28:20 “A faithful man will abound with blessings….” Luke 6:38   “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Fourth: Remembering Who We Are:   Whether we are newly minted citizens or whether we can trace our family tree to Immigrants who landed on Ellis Island, we all share one thing in common: We are Americans.  Our country has its flaws, but we still remain the envy of much of the world.   A friend of mine wrote on her Face Book page, “I just won the Lottery.”  I was amazed and just about to write about her winnings when she replied.  “I was born in America in the middle of the 20^th Century!!”  Now that’s a person who understands gratitude! 

Let’s reject despair over our present difficulties.  Let’s do battle together and let us always be thankful for the blessings we receive each day.

Matthew 5:16     “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

                                                          That’s Us!!!