Isolation

For the first time, I find myself sitting here searching for something positive to write about. All the while, staring right back at me is an obvious topic. Isolation.

The isolating effects of inpatient treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic are an undeniable challenge. I’m on my fifth day in this round of a rather solo adventure.  At times, I look around my institutional hospital room and feel so remote from normal life that I reckon I’ll see a snow leopard walk by and mark its territory before seeing my own family. But, hey, negativity is for losers.

I’m going to consider this isolation to be a bit of a sabbatical from the chaos of daily life and take it as a chance to reassess.  God has chosen this specific time for this specific experience for me.  He is a God of order.  And, I believe that His timing is intentional. By the way, if you are reading this, He has chosen that as well.

Getting some time to yourself can be a good thing. You get the opportunity to sort through the complexities of life.  At least, I do.  I tend be a bit of a thinker.  Often times, my musings lead to very little.  However, there are times that I occasionally do get to put life in its proper perspective, shore-up priorities, and consider how I would have done things differently getting to this point. And, this happens to be one of those times.

Ideally, we would each take time every day to spend with God on such topics.  In reality, we are more likely to make our time with God another box checked; all the while missing the real opportunity to connect, be mindful, listen, and learn.

I hope that you take the time afforded to you during this era of social distancing to draw closer to God. Seriously, God’s timing is impeccable. It is intentional by Him for you. If you are just filling this time with Netflix or YouTube, you are squandering a precious opportunity.  Invest in your relationship with the Lord, your spouse, children, friends, and your own self.

“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind and earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the first the sound of a low whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12

Take time to listen for the still small voice of God.

P.S. – I want to give a Happy Birthday shout out to the most wonderful person in my life. Teri, you are strong, resilient, patient, kind, selfless, dedicated, humble, and overflowing with unconditional love. I am blessed beyond measure that you agreed to live this life together with me for richer or poorer and in sickness and health. You have stood by me in richer and poorer. And, now you are my rock as I go from sickness to health. I’m blessed to have you in my life and look forward to celebrating your birthday when my sabbatical is over. I love you!