Howdy do
And blessings to you wherever you are. Today’s Holy Nougat comes with a reflection on the impact of covid-19 on the psyche.
“When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”” Genesis 19:17 NLT
It felt so surreal. I anticipated the decision, nevertheless I was hoping against hope that it would be a while. Nope with the rapid spread of covid-19 in Europe, and the scary death toll; the authorities insisted that all offices cease operations by 1800 hours and resume (hopefully) in a week’s time.
I had had several meetings, so this message found me physically in the office. I looked around – what files would I need virtually? Hmmm Oh I want to do some writing in the teleworking time, so I needed some books too. Joyfully I began sorting through the books, for I was not about to tackle backpack full of laptop and books.
Then my high-heeled boots peeled out at me. You know I had to take those. They couldn’t fit. I tried the additional bag taken for the books. Nope wasn’t happening. But I ‘needed’ my work boots too – durable comfortable and comforting. Yup; something was going to have to give. Ahh, I put the fancy schmancy boots on (they are not really walking boots, but vanity …), squoze – yes squoze, not squeezed – the comfies in my bag
and realized I had another bulky item to be packed.
With enough machinations and repacking, almost everything had its place, including the lunch box which kept falling out. Had to take that – for who knows how long I’ll be gone and while it may create the antidote for Coronavirus after being locked away for that time, I prefer to take it with me and wash properly. Looked around one last time – stats! I needed the adapter to have an extended workstation. Oki
Just a quick trip to IT . Except it wasn’t as quick in those heels. And back up to get it, then out of the building, two heavily packed bags in tow, along with my handbag.
My thoughts ran to Lot and family rushing to get out of the city. I finally understood why she might have looked back – one last time, to really register that what was left behind would not be salvaged or salvageable.
It’s that easy folks. First we get comfortable in a space, then we begin to accumulate (or nest), often to the point where leaving even for our own welfare is a challenge.
But if the Lord invites us out of a situation, then there must be something else that we’re being called into. Can we trust God enough to believe God has a plan? Can we let go enough to resist the urge to consider all we’re missing? Can we cast our cares God-ward and leave it there? Can we?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
