Joy In The Mess

Be still and know that I am God.  Psalm 46:11

I know it’s way past my normal post time but I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve started, deleted and re-started todays blog.  I missed my post last Thursday because I was on my way to North Carolina to celebrate the life of my “cool aunt” Ellen.  There are a hundred emotions about the early, sudden loss of a beautiful soul and a reunion with  a couple dozen people I love with all my heart I want to share but I think those stories (and my are there some good ones!) will need to wait because so many things have seemed to come completely un-hinged in the last couple of days I think we might need a big ‘ole sprinkle of  joy and logic in the wake of it all.

There is so much going on right now that this post could be a mile long but if there’s one thing we don’t need today it’s more folks flapping their lips spitting out their opinions about whose fault this mess is and who we should blame. We don’t need any more folks pointing out how we’re all going to hell in a hand basket because this is all pre-meditated and we’re following along like a bunch of mindless lambs.  We don’t need any more reports about working too hard or not working at all and for heaven sakes I’m pretty sure I’ve seen enough pictures of toilet paper and homemade hand sanitizer recipes to last a lifetime.

As we plow through all of this stuff it seems like it all boils down to a couple of big things.  Dealing with disappointment and being uncomfortable are not our strong suits.  I think we have to admit both things and then begin to make our way back to normal.  We all handle disappointment differently.  The government isn’t controlling us because they cancelled the NCAAA tournament but it’s left a lot of folks disappointed.  I’m surrounded by a community of young people who had state titles to defend and achieve who are so very disappointed the show stopped just short of the finish line.  We’ve got weddings and parties and celebrations that are in limbo and that’s disappointing because no spring bride saw this coming and that’s disappointing.  Those are real emotions and if we really want to act as Christ, there is no shortage of people who need our patience, compassion and understanding.  Predictable means comfortable and we are fresh out of predictable right now.  Things are uncertain for the next little bit.  We do enjoy being in charge of things and we simply aren’t.  Uncertainty is ok because it’s a great opportunity to build trust and that trust organically leads to obedience but for some it’s leading us to grab control where we can…like the toilet paper aisle.  

There is so much information floating around it makes my head spin.  The problem is, for every article you read, there is another to dispute it.  For every beautiful thing you see, there are three ugly.  Here’s my thought, find a medical source you trust; maybe a nurse or doctor you know and read what they share.  Find a faithful person or source your trust and read what they share.  Leave the rest unread!  Don’t read about the conspiracy theories or the unbalanced disease comparison nonsense filling your newsfeed.  If you feel like someone has sucked away your joy, it just might be you spending too much time with the news.  There are some nutty things happening right now but there are also some really beautiful things going on right now.  Satan isn’t gaining control of the world because churches suspended mass or emptied Holy Water fonts, if God is mighty enough to part a sea and save his people, I’m pretty sure he’s gonna usher us right through this without breaking a sweat.

If you want some joy back in your Monday here are some thoughts…
*Shut off the news.
*Soak up the stillness and quiet this time is creating.
*Pray extra…and then pray some more…and then follow it up with some more prayer.
*Ponder your willingness obey.  If we can’t obey a request to stay home and cook our own food, how will we be able to obey the Father?
*Do something good for someone who has it rougher than you right now.  
*Try to understand someone elses disappointment and find a way to console or re-assure them.
*Trade judging for loving…what if we assumed everyone is trying to do the best they can…and some folks might just need a little more help and understanding.
*Make a conscience decision to let this situation make us great instead of divided?
*Above all…a dozen times  or more a day…repeat: Lord, protect us in this mess and show us how to serve you and show your love!  Unless we get that part right, this will remain nothing but a big mess.  I really want to look back on this and be able to say, “Wow, look what God did through all of that chaos; isn’t he faithful…and didn’t we handle that beautifully!” but in order to do that, we have to  make some choices starting right now!

A Seed To Plant:  Pick a couple things from the list and lets be great in the midst of the mess.​

Blessings on your day!