“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
The Fluff and Drivel
Driving down the country road to town the other day, I was struck by the beauty of another springtime. The same fields were turning yellow with tiny wildflowers and the same redbud bushes were aflame in magenta—beautiful! The same hawks were soaring above looking for the next meal Yes, it was the same scenery I’d driven past for thirty years, yet so very different. I felt as if I was viewing the landscape through a cloudy lens, everything shrouded in uncertainty, as the world reels from the threat of the corona virus. I never could have imagined this exact scenario to bring the world to its knees (so to speak). Sometimes we can sense something coming, yet the exact manifestation of it is usually a surprise to most of us.
For me, an old-er retired gal, I’ve felt an incredible influx of peace. I know those on the front lines, healthcare workers and first responders, have a far different experience and I certainly don’t downplay that in any way. But perhaps some of us are finding more time to pray for others, more time to concentrate on what is eternally important. When I look back on my “pre-world-pandemic” life, I see someone running around “like a chicken with its head cut off” (of which I have first hand knowledge—at age five, my cousin and I used an ax to facilitate a chicken dinner for the family—eewwee, not pretty).
Life for many of us has slowed down considerably, as we spend more hours at home with family, taking care of the immediate. I’ve come to cherish the least bit of news from a neighbor or family member, hanging on every word my husband might bring home, or hear on the phone or by text. Truly precious. Before, I barely took time to listen. It’s not that I didn’t care, but I was so distracted, I just didn’t have enough brain-power to take in any more information. I was on overload and didn’t even know it. Did God really require me to be ten places at once and all things to all people? I don’t think so.
We’re all responsible for our own schedules, and the power of, “Sorry, no can do!” is always available, but my pace of life was on a collision course, unhealthy, filled with unnecessary fluff, and a whole lot of drivel. Being a wordy person, I must include some synonyms of the word drivel: nonsense, twaddle, claptrap, gibberish, rubbish, mumbo jumbo, poppycock, piffle, codswallop, and flapdoodle! Oh, my.
Paul so aptly reminds us in Philippians that God will supply all my need—that goes for mental, physical, spiritual—ALL my need. In this crazy time, now more than ever, I am eternally thankful for His provision. I can see it, feel it, and share it with those who haven’t experienced that yet.
Thank You, heavenly Father! My heart is overflowing with gratitude that I am here to witness these things and carry the Light of Jesus Christ. Fill us with extra love, extra joy, extra peace to share with the world. Amen!
Thank you, and said so beautiful!!!
I am in that same boat since I have more time. Makes me think about when the busyness starts up again, need to change some priorities. Good word, thank you.
Praying for the world, an awakening of the Body of Christ and the world as a whole, has taken on a new meaning for me. Through this it has become so much more urgent.
I am having the exact same experience of hearing God call me to spend time with Him and just be.
Well said, I am not re-tired but am grateful to be in the place that I love, my home, and with the people I love, my children and husband. I have a clear view of my blessings and don’t have to be in a Monday madness mode, I can now be in a Sunday drive kind of mode everyday of the week. God bless all of you on the front lines with the energy, clarity and peace (That surpasses understanding) in the battle.