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Good morning, DearHeart.

Mother made a mask for each of us. This little one is for our baby Rush. Mine has butterflies, one of my most favorite things.

I went to my office the other day. Pulling into the empty parking lot, I prepared to enter. Usually there is an energetic hustle all-around as students are going to class and familiar “good-mornings” echo through our buildings.

Our buildings have been thoroughly sanitized, and empty since the shelter at home order came. So, I put on my mask, pulled on disposable gloves, I pulled clorox wipes from the dispenser and armed my self with sanitizing spray. Sprayed and wiped each door knob and light switch going in and going out.

Closed each door behind me, each making an unusually lonely sound as it closed.

Luke and I went to the store mid-March, when already the shelves were mostly empty. The aisles became a sad commentary of the time we now find ourselves as a virus has forever changed the face of our days.

Even as the empty shelves speak of the fear and greed found in man. But, even then I began to notice something else among my fellow shoppers – a concern for the safety of others, and a desire to help one another.

Food shopping had become common ground, the place where we were all even. The store was the place where we were all on level ground.

There were no differences – all ages, all races, political parties were unmentioned. We were all there to buy basic daily needs of milk, eggs, cheese, bread, and meat.

In these days of constant hand washing, it is recommended to wash with soap and water for twenty seconds – sing the happy birthday song while washing, and you’re good. You know, saying the Lord’s Prayer provides the twenty seconds needed to rid hands of bacteria, while doing the more important work of praying.

“Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.”

God is our Father, who calls us Himself to an intimate and loving relationship. His reign and purposes will be achieved in this world for our good and His glory.

“Give us this day our daily bread.“

We so like to have our cupboards, pantries, and freezers full. We must trust Him for our daily needs as it all comes from His hands. And may we notice that He provides for our needs and not our greed.

“And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.“

May we never lose sight of the forgiveness we have been given and offer the same to those who have hurt and wounded us.

“And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

(Matthew 6:9-13, NKJV)

In these trying days, there is no need at all to fall into the temptation to be

fearful,

or angry,

or resentful of the circumstances surrounding us. God will deliver us from the strategies of the enemy of our souls.

It is days like we are living which bring the powerful reminder

of the sovereignty and power of God –

“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

Psalm 23

Wake up.

Wash your hands.

Go.