Pathways Press.com

MEDITATION:

Written by Nanci Hoffman.

In a way to me, it seems like the end of the world, the end of the world as I knew it. The news tells us every minute there are 10 more cases of Covid-19 in Los Angeles. Tami, my middle daughter Lives there and flies as a flight attendant out of LAX. Despite the efforts the airlines are taking to keep their planes sanitized, she knows some flight attendants are being infected with this disease. I am 82 and realize that my days are numbered; however, I am sure there are many like me who didn’t think our last days would be spent living with masks over our faces, unable to sing in the choir at worship services at church, unable to enjoy meals with our families and at our favorite restaurants. I wish I could visit with my son and his family, whom I haven’t seen for over a year… my daughter and her family live only 30 minutes away, and yet our time together has also been severely impacted. I could go on and on, but the point is obvious….it isn’t the end-of-life days I expected. And I know I speak for us all–life is different. On top of the pandemic is the political upheaval. I remember the days when the worst news on TV was an earthquake on an island I didn’t even know the name of… or even 9/11 which affected a family in our church, and we prayed for them, loved them but then went on with our lives. No matter which side we are on, the constant debilitating news is so disturbing. It seems peace is so far away for our nation. I remember with joy in my heart those carefree days growing up in New Haven, Conn., listening to the Yankees play baseball, eating watermelon with so many families on our block, going to school, restaurants, basketball games. I remember lording it as a senior in high school, which now my grandchildren can’t do. Indeed, those were to good ole days. And I miss them.

But….Jesus hasn’t changed!!! He is still there when I open my heart to Him  and pour out my frustration at these days. He listens when I ask Him to protect my children and grandchildren in this changing world. I know He is with those who are so severely affected by the pandemic and other tragedies these days. I thank Him daily for the beautiful flowers and magnificent sunsets He is blessing us with!  I see so much to be thankful for despite the grave problems of our reality.  How could I possibly live if I didn’t know Jesus has us in the palm of His hand. And Jesus is my constant companion during this difficult period of staying home. I join Tami in singing “I have the joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart, I have the love of Jesus down in my heart, down in my heart, TO STAY!!!  Sing with us!!!!

PRAYER:

Written by Emilie Griffin, a contemporary Christian author.

Dear Lord, there are signs of trouble and anxiety all around me. Give me confidence to trust in your incarnate presence in a fearful world. Help me know that I am a child of God. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy: Jeremy Riddle. Written by minister and evangelist George William Cooke in the 1920s