God Needed The World To Slow Down Just A Little.......

Happy Wednesday! When we were awakened to the news of a pandemic, we convinced ourselves that we would be fine. People still planned spring break trips and were determined to make it the most memorable spring break ever. We never fathom how serious this pandemic would be. There would be individuals who would panic and purchase as many essential items as they could. Never thinking that others would need those items as well. We dealt with long lines, masks and gloves being worn. Individuals would allow anxiety and fear to overtake them. The most important lesson out of all of this was God needed us to slow down. This has been my revelation since the beginning of the pandemic. 
 
We had become consumed with other things and had lost focus on our priorities with God. We were so consumed with making it to work out and we never stop to thank God for the day. We were so consumed with getting our kids to the next event and we never stop to thank God for keeping us safe all day. We were so tired at night from running to and from meetings and we forgot to stop pray before we closed our eyes to tell God thank you. 
 
I pray that the quarantine has revealed some things about us that have been hidden. I pray that the quarantine has revealed who we have become and what we think we need to make us feel important. I pray that that the quarantine has revealed who has become God in our lives. I pray that the quarantine has revealed what is most important to us. I pray that we won’t be so consumed with returning back to normal. I pray that our new normal has shown us what matters most. I pray that we will see God in a new way in our lives. I pray that the dreams you have been delaying will be lived out. I pray that marriages have become stronger. I pray that husbands and wives have a greater appreciation for each other and what each person brings to the marriage. I pray that parents have enjoyed loving on your kids even more. I pray that kids have seen the sacrifices that parents make daily. I pray that kids would have a greater appreciation for their education, their teachers and their friends. I pray that we would appreciate family more. With so many deaths (young and old), I pray that we would say, “I Love You” often; laugh a little louder and hug a little longer.
 
I pray that we would appreciate our places of employment. I pray that members would appreciate the heart of their pastors. Pastors had to become technology gurus and determine ways to still preach and teach the word of God to the members. I pray that even while shopping in stores, we would smile and say hello more often. You never know who you will come in contact with or what battle a person is facing. It doesn’t cost you anything to smile and even say hello. I pray that we would appreciate our healthcare workers. They worked tirelessly around the clock to assist those who were diagnosed and even tested. While taking care of patients, I am grateful that some still made it home to see and take care of their families. While praying that nothing was being transmitted to their families. I pray for every family who lost a loved one. I pray for every person who had to bury a family member and a friend. I pray for every person who wanted to be there to support family and friends during bereavement, but COVID-19 restrictions would not allow that. 
 
I pray that that your new normal would be different. I pray that you would see the world different. I pray that you would value life and those who you love. I pray that you have prayed more, read more, loved more and appreciated the little things more. I pray that when we all return back to some normalcy, we will be better and stronger. I pray that you have maximized time to rest and enjoy life. I pray that you won’t allow circumstances to dictate your outlook on life. I pray that you have gained more wisdom, knowledge and understanding of who God is. I pray that you would be better, wiser and stronger. I pray that you would be the best “YOU” that you can be! Have an amazing day and always remember that you are loved! Until Friday..........Lady T