Some build their hopes on the ever drifting sand,
Some on their fame, or their treasure, or their land...
Wow...this has been a crazy time! Our country is experiencing a lot of uncertainty and upheaval as a result of the virus sweeping through the world at this time. As a travel agent, all the venue closures and cancellations have rocked my professional world, and I have spent a lot of time counseling clients, making changes, cancelling reservations, etc. Since travel agents only get paid after a client travels, IF they travel, all of these changes have affected our income as well. Thankfully, we don't rely on my income, but some agents do have to rely on theirs. That's scary! I am thankful that I don't have to place my hope in my treasure.
The news has been full of updates about celebrities who have contracted the virus. Similarly, professional and college athletes who have worked so hard to reach championship games, only to have their seasons interrupted or cut short. I am thankful I don't have to place my hope in personal fame.
Every time I see the news, there is conflicting information about this whole situation. Today, reports might be that this virus will infect almost everyone and hospitals will be unable to care for the sick. Another day, it seems as though everyone is overreacting. It is hard to know who (or what) to believe. Confusion and misinformation are running rampant. We look to leaders and experts for information and reassurance, but with the rapidly changing information, they have little to offer us. I am thankful that my confidence does not lie in the ever drifting sand.
We are being bombarded constantly with admonitions to wash our hands, disinfect our common areas, abstain from being in public as much as possible, etc. etc. etc. Our grandparents in nursing home or retirement facilities are not being allowed visitors for their own protection. Children are being sent home from school, corporations and colleges all over the country are sending people home to do all work and schooling online. Parents whose kids are in public schools are suddenly finding themselves in a situation where they must "homeschool" these kids until school reopens in order to keep them from getting behind. Homeschool co-ops are shutting down so that families aren't exposing each other to danger. Members who may have been exposed or who have other health conditions are having to stay home from corporate worship. We are encouraged to practice "social distancing," which can separate us from our support networks and leave us feeling more afraid and confused. Fear is everywhere. However, "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
If you know much about me, I despise uncertainty and change. I am not comfortable with being out of control of a situation or having no idea what the outcome will be. I love predictability and routine, When I don't have these, it gives me anxiety and makes me feel uneasy. This current situation has been a challenge for me to remember to not be anxious in all things. (Php. 4:6-7).
Thankfully, there stands a Rock, the Rock of my salvation! My hope is "on the Rock that forever will stand, Jesus, the Rock of Ages." In this time of swift transition, I can "Hold to God's Unchanging Hand." Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8), no matter what happens with the virus, or the travel industry, or fleeting fame, or any other worldly endeavor. I can't imaging trying to navigate these changing times without that Rock to cling to, and my prayer is that anyone reading this who doesn't have that Rock will make the changes needed today. If I can help you, I would love to.
