It’s Going To Be Alright
Don't worry about a thing
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right
Singin': "Don't worry about a thing
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
Have you ever said this in your head? “As soon as I get some quiet time, I’m going to do (fill in the blank).” Then, as soon as you get that quiet time, you completely forget what the blank was in the first place. If you’re anything like me, then this happens often.
I am usually pretty good about getting the things done that I need to, but it never amounts to my intentions. My intentions are always wanting to do much more, and sometimes I don’t feel like there are enough hours in the day for all of it, and therefore, whatever goes in that blank gets forgotten or pushed aside.
I don’t know about you guys, but it’s been quiet lately. This quarantine thing is for the dogs, and I’m a guy built for quarantine. I don’t mean I’m a survivalist with a bug-out bag and a fall-out shelter. I can be equally happy being both an introvert and an extrovert. My job is being an extreme extrovert, which is my natural instinct. I also think that sometimes, because of my career, I can become very introverted when I am not working.
I have tried to stay positive throughout this quarantine situation we are all facing, but today and this week, it’s starting to get to me. I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss my church. I miss being able to worship like we do at my church. I am so thankful for the technology that has allowed us to continue worshiping, and I firmly believe that you don’t have to be in a church setting to worship, but I certainly miss it.
The last Sunday before quarantine hit, my church was a packed sanctuary full of faith-driven people who, in my opinion, were facing the lions and putting their trust entirely in God. We all sang a song that had the lyrics in it and repeated, “It is well with my soul, it is well with my soul, it is well with my soul.” The whole church continued singing it, and it was as if we were collectively singing to God that we are not and will not be afraid. It was awesome!
Something happens in that place that cannot be replicated through a Facebook Live or YouTube event, and I miss that! I know that as soon as we can all be together again, the heavens will hear us, and I can’t wait!
This week, the blank I wrote about at the beginning of this blog post has been almost completely forgotten, and I feel very disappointed and frustrated with myself. In a time where things seem to be slowing down, they seem to be going faster than ever this week and last. My blank goes something like this - “As soon as I get some quiet time, I’m going to
spend more time with God.”
This has been something that I have challenged others to do. Take time each day and find a quiet place to converse with God. This week, I am not walking my own walk. This week, I must challenge myself and put my words into action.
Last night, this hit me. I found myself wide awake and having an uneasy feeling in my gut. My quiet times had not been there, and that overwhelming feeling that I was pushing God aside this week to ensure I got all the other things done left me wide awake. God is never to be pushed aside. I know He understands, loves, forgives, and knows my heart’s intentions. But I also know how different my day can and will feel when I miss the blank and don’t spend time with Him!
I try to have that time daily, but there is a difference between spending time with God and reading His word, praying, and journaling. The second part has been where a much deeper connection to Him has been happening, and I feel foolish for pushing that off when I should be pushing everything else off instead because, without Him, nothing else matters.
The excellent news for you, me, and anyone who has ever felt this way is that God is always there and ready to spend that time with us.
It’s unbelievable to me how crazy even quarantine can become. I have had battles with squirrels at my girlfriend’s house that I will probably remember for the rest of my life. Don’t worry; momma and baby squirrel live happily somewhere other than the attached closet next to one of the bedrooms. I never knew squirrels were so intelligent and cunning, but these two were like the 007 of squirrels. It made me think of that Netflix movie where the hamsters are spies. I can’t think of the name of it.
I admit that my quiet time has been shaken these past few weeks. It has not been nearly as consistent as I would like. It is incredible how different my day is when I begin with quiet prayer followed by uninterrupted bible study and journaling. I never realized that starting and ending my day with God would be so impactful, but now I know. The days that don’t go that way are when I never feel relaxed. To me, spending time with God slows everything else down and quiets the world around me.
This is Easter week, and I am reminded of my Easter memories. Easter is always a time when I think of my dad and his crazy Easter outfits. My dad always loved Easter and saw it as a challenge to be the best and most colorfully dressed man at our church. I would say that he succeeded at that. He was never one to do anything halfway. He always took this to the extreme, and it became like a trademark of his every Easter. I don’t have that style, but I have one of his most colorful shirts, and I wear it every Easter to remember him and honor that tradition.
I miss spending Easter with my family or in a church, but I am so thankful to spend it with Ashlie and her kids, or “The Littles,” as we call them. I am grateful for the ability to still worship through technology on Sunday.
Happy Easter, everyone. Soon, we will all be able to rejoice that HE IS RISEN!
