Social Distancing. . . . .

If we had heard the term "social distancing" back in December, 2019 we might possibly have thought we were being asked to "take a break" from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other online social networking platform.  Who could possibly have ​conceived that in such short a period of time we would be asked to distance ourselves physically rather than digitally from each other and to stay home.   

I never fully realized how very much I enjoyed physical human touch - a hug, a handshake or even a pat on the back - until we were ordered to eliminate all such social contact.  How very quickly our lives can change and our focus become entirely redirected.  For those with strong faith and an active prayer life, this "time apart" can be a time of refreshing and renewal - a time when the pace of daily life slows from hectic to quite slow and peaceful.  In the absence of such a connection with the One only and true God, it can be a very disturbing and anxious time.  From the very beginning of human history, God has wasted no opportunity to offer reconciliation and forgiveness to those who turn to Him in times of trouble and distress.  This present time is no exception. 

Whatever we choose to call this period in history - pandemic, corona virus, COVID-19, or simply "the virus" -  it will be remembered as the time the whole world was brought to a stand-still.  And I believe with all my heart that it will be a moment in time when God got our attention and brought to Himself brand new sons and daughters.  As I look around  see the signs of spring in flowering trees and new foliage, I sense God sending forth His Spirit to renew the face of the earth in our time and in our presence.  This is the time, today is the day to rejoice in His goodness and to expect great things in the time of trouble.  (When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.  Psalm 94:19)