The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.      Psalm 23:1-3a

I write these devotional thoughts to you this morning from my “new” office—my screen porch on Fels Avenue. My personal assistant, Pumpkin, is keeping a watchful eye on all that happens here, in between her many doggy naps! She is a little perplexed to find me home so much these days, but has not complained—just begged for treats a little more than usual.

The weather is beautiful here today and it almost seems we are all on an extended spring break of some kind. But then we read the news and learn of a single family in New Jersey with three deaths attributed to the Coronavirus. Yesterday, I talked to a physician friend of mine who tells me about parts of California where surgical masks are being rationed in such a way as to put healthcare providers in serious jeopardy. I see photos of college students crowded onto the beaches not so very far from us, oblivious to what they may be sharing and spreading and taking back to their families and respective communities in days to come.

So, how do I walk the line? It is glorious to have a morning on my porch, to hear the wind chimes sing to me as a gentle breeze slips by, to know I will have time for a long walk by the bay later today…and to be healthy enough to do so. I believe there is nothing wrong with celebrating joy where we find it and allowing God to do a little of God’s best “soul restoration work” on each of us.

But I am called to pray, too, and to be smart and to take this thing seriously and do what it is recommended we do. That is why if you see me out walking by the bay this afternoon, I will wave and give you a wide berth and allow about 6 feet between you and me. That is why I will pray for wisdom and protection for all our friends and church members who are doctors and nurses and healthcare workers—on the frontlines every day, trying to do the very best for their patients with the resources given to them. That is why I pray for wisdom of our leaders and for an end to the spread of this virus. That is why I will pray for our young people who are convinced of their own immortality, that they will be mindful of the gravity of that which threatens us all.

So, remember the faith that has been given you, the love of Christ that lives within you, the power of prayer the Holy Spirit has gifted to you, the word of God that is available to you. Hear the words of Paul in 1 Timothy 1:7: for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

Be strong and courageous, dear friends. Pray fervently for all in these days of uncertainty! Be cautious and disciplined and respectful of each other in the way you live in your community. But find rest and joy in the moments of refreshing that may come your way. And don’t feel guilty for noticing that it is indeed a beautiful day!

Do whatever it takes to share love and blessings in the name of Christ!
Laura & Pumpkin

Prayer: 
Thank you, Lord, for giving us one more beautiful day where we can see your hand in the creative work of an emerging spring! There is much we don’t understand about these unprecedented times in which we live. But give us your love and wisdom and a spirit of self-discipline to be good stewards of health and wellness every day. Protect those we love, protect those on the front lines of caring for others, protect those with fragile health. Let us be your disciples and be your church in new and creative ways. For it is in the powerful name of Christ we pray—AMEN.