No, this isn’t how I expected to spend my 47th birthday, yet I wouldn’t trade the day for anything.
I have a renewed peace in the midst of this chaos. It is the peace which surpasses all understanding described in Philippians 4:7. This is the first time I ever remember experiencing it.
Since this COVID19 started, I have struggled with many things: fear, anxiety, depression, grief, guilt – all at various points. I have spent every day in a constant spiritual battle in my mind. Sword in hand, I have fought those thoughts of “what if”, “where will the money come from”, “what will happen if you get sick?” and the list goes on.
I have fought back with the promises of a God who loves me. Here I am today with peace. Why? Because instead of spending my energy fighting against those thoughts, I am choosing to “shift my gaze” (thank you, Pastor Pete Mueller for that phrase).
My gaze is not on the “what if’s” any more. My gaze, my focus, is on the fact that for another year I was blessed to be loved on the earth by friends and family, to be able to show my love to them as well. Plus, I was able to write, to read, to lead, to serve … and that list goes on.
Each day is filled with many gifts. Keep your eyes focused and your gaze on these hopeful things. They are there waiting to be discovered in each moment.
My prayer is that you will find the peace too.
He give us grace. He gives us mercy.
He gives us PEACE.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Raelyn Pracht 