There's been a lot of collective reflecting this month as we hit the one-year mark of when all the shut downs and pandemic related things really exploded. I went back and looked at my post from last March. I wish I could I say that I've maintained that positive approach throughout but I've often faltered to trust and to remain with an attitude of gratitude.
The government has put new restrictions for this weekend to try to keep people from traveling and getting together in large groups. It is not surprising but it is tiring. Although our church has been open for the last few months, it is still limited occupancy with required sign-ups and no children's services offered, which means we've still been attending virtually. It has had an impact on my spirit.
I am planning to attend a women's retreat for missionaries in Costa Rica the second week of April. I almost hold my breath as I type that sentence. I really need this trip to happen. Just the idea of being in a room of other mission-minded women and getting to worship together brings tears to my eyes. Knowing that some other dear girlfriends are going to be there too is the icing on the cake! So, please PRAY for this retreat. PRAY for all the things. My health. No last-minute travel restrictions. The tests needed. And I've got some deep things to pray about and work through in that gift of time to be away from the daily grind. So, please PRAY.
As I continue through the book of Nehemiah I am reminded of our need to be TOGETHER. As they are repairing the wall, there was opposition. In order to combat the enemy the people had to come together...physically BE CLOSER to one another.
Nehemiah 4:19-20 "...the work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!"
They set up a system. If a particular area was under attack they were to sound the trumpet and the rest of the people were instructed to come to that place and help. We have been widely separated from each other. Are we trying to just make it on our own? Are we sounding the trumpet? Are we listening? Granted I doubt anyone is outside with an actual trumpet making noise. It might look (and sound) different but people are struggling and/or under spiritual attack. We need to come together and join them there. The good news is that God fights for us. The even better news (that which we celebrate this weekend) is that Jesus has overcome THE WORLD. He has overcome DEATH. He has ALREADY won the battle! Somebody needs to be reminded of that. And by somebody, it's me. I need to be reminded of that. I need to be reminded of the truth and the hope and the joy of the Gospel. I sounded the trumpet. And we got set up with some marital counseling. I sounded the trumpet and some generous friends bought me a plane ticket to Costa Rica, so that we could be joined together. Don't be ashamed to sound the trumpet. If you are tired of fighting on your own, make some noise.
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| Some of my pick-me-up this month |
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| This. So good. |
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| Lots of rain the last few months. Like our new water feature? |
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| Cotopaxi |
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