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March 26, 2020
Prayer and Devotion by
Our Elder, Lisa Constantine
My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
Song of Solomon 2:10-13
My new daily routine has me working from home, so I often open the door for some fresh air and to make the four walls around me stretch into the outside. I noticed over the past few days the grass has become greener, buds have appeared on the ends of trees, squirrels and chipmunks are running across the patio, and daffodils have appeared. Spring is officially here!
While we are inside our houses or running back and forth to life-essential jobs, the beauty of nature is continuing as it always has. Not even a world pandemic can stop the flowers from blooming, the birds from singing, and young animals from being born.
It is that time of the year where the dark, cold winter ends and the light, vibrant spring begins. Sitting in self-isolation, it is so easy to keep our lives in the darkness. Looking at the negatives of the situation through focusing on the stress of keeping children entertained, educated, and fed all while attempting to work from home; longing to meet with friends in the way to which we are accustom; or worrying of staying safe and sanitized from COVID-19.
What if we change that negative mentality to echo more of the spring and see the joy in world around us. Just like winter, this time in self-isolation will not last forever; it is but a season. What will last, though, are the memories made. We can take this time to make memories of resentment and worry or use it for joy and time of growth improvement. Here are some ideas:
Spiritual growth: Strengthen your prayer life or take a solo soul stroll
Physical growth: Put on your favorite song and dance or stream workouts online
Mental growth: Read a book or take time for a hobby
Family growth: Enjoy a stay-at-home date night, play board games, or call elderly relatives
Professional growth: Learn a new skill set through free classes online
If you are struggling in self-isolation, know that is okay to not be okay and that you are not alone. Please let Pastor Amory or one of our elders know, so we can find creative ways to walk through this season of life together.
Imagine if a flower bulb stayed under the soil because that is where it was buried, the world would never experience its beauty. We too need to bloom and share ourselves with the world. Feel God’s light shining down and soak in moments that allow us to “water” ourselves so we can walk out of this season as the fully blossomed flowers God intended us to be.
Find the positives in the moment through rejoicing that we now have time to build a puzzle, cook from scratch, go on walks, or even spring clean. I challenge you to write down three things at the end of the day that brought joy or for which you are thankful. As an example, I’ve included mine from yesterday:
Heavenly Father,
We hear your creation singing the wonders of springtime. Be with us as we work to bring the same wonderment to our lives when our days often feel long and lonely. We need your light to shine on us more than ever so we can your feel all-encompassing love. Allow us to see the joy peeking through the darkness for we know it is there. Be with the healthcare professionals and those effected by COVID-19; they most of all need the blessings of springtime. We know you are the ultimate gardener and our souls yearn to join in the springtime singing. Lead us as we find ways to blossom and grow closer to you. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer and Devotion by
Our Elder, Lisa Constantine
My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.”
Song of Solomon 2:10-13
My new daily routine has me working from home, so I often open the door for some fresh air and to make the four walls around me stretch into the outside. I noticed over the past few days the grass has become greener, buds have appeared on the ends of trees, squirrels and chipmunks are running across the patio, and daffodils have appeared. Spring is officially here!
While we are inside our houses or running back and forth to life-essential jobs, the beauty of nature is continuing as it always has. Not even a world pandemic can stop the flowers from blooming, the birds from singing, and young animals from being born.
It is that time of the year where the dark, cold winter ends and the light, vibrant spring begins. Sitting in self-isolation, it is so easy to keep our lives in the darkness. Looking at the negatives of the situation through focusing on the stress of keeping children entertained, educated, and fed all while attempting to work from home; longing to meet with friends in the way to which we are accustom; or worrying of staying safe and sanitized from COVID-19.
What if we change that negative mentality to echo more of the spring and see the joy in world around us. Just like winter, this time in self-isolation will not last forever; it is but a season. What will last, though, are the memories made. We can take this time to make memories of resentment and worry or use it for joy and time of growth improvement. Here are some ideas:
Spiritual growth: Strengthen your prayer life or take a solo soul stroll
Physical growth: Put on your favorite song and dance or stream workouts online
Mental growth: Read a book or take time for a hobby
Family growth: Enjoy a stay-at-home date night, play board games, or call elderly relatives
Professional growth: Learn a new skill set through free classes online
If you are struggling in self-isolation, know that is okay to not be okay and that you are not alone. Please let Pastor Amory or one of our elders know, so we can find creative ways to walk through this season of life together.
Imagine if a flower bulb stayed under the soil because that is where it was buried, the world would never experience its beauty. We too need to bloom and share ourselves with the world. Feel God’s light shining down and soak in moments that allow us to “water” ourselves so we can walk out of this season as the fully blossomed flowers God intended us to be.
Find the positives in the moment through rejoicing that we now have time to build a puzzle, cook from scratch, go on walks, or even spring clean. I challenge you to write down three things at the end of the day that brought joy or for which you are thankful. As an example, I’ve included mine from yesterday:
- Facetiming with family
- A walk-through South Park with Clint (which we never have time to do during the week)
- Sacrifices that healthcare workers are making
Heavenly Father,
We hear your creation singing the wonders of springtime. Be with us as we work to bring the same wonderment to our lives when our days often feel long and lonely. We need your light to shine on us more than ever so we can your feel all-encompassing love. Allow us to see the joy peeking through the darkness for we know it is there. Be with the healthcare professionals and those effected by COVID-19; they most of all need the blessings of springtime. We know you are the ultimate gardener and our souls yearn to join in the springtime singing. Lead us as we find ways to blossom and grow closer to you. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
