spreading like glitter

"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

Glitter... i do not like it in my hair, i do not like it on my face; matter of fact, i do not like it anywhere!   But inevitable, anytime i show up to help with our school plays, "it's glitter time!" Not wanting to be a pouty Patty, i smile, grab a jar of glitter and some paint and shake it out.  Though no matter how carefully i shake, the result is shining e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. - all around me and on me.

Glitter permeates the atmosphere, sticking to absolutely everything in its path.  You walk into another room and wonder, "how did it get in here??" Two days later, after you wash your face, you still spot glitter on the side of your eye and even between your toes! Yet, i must admit, when all is said and done (glittered), the end result adds "wow!" and life to sets and costumes.  After the mess, there is good in glitter, and the director knows it.  

Like glitter, with just the twitch of your nose, the coronavirus can spread.  We are instructed to avoid the c-virus much like the precautionary measures i take with glitter... keep a safe distance from it, constantly wash my hands and keep my hands away from the face... and best of all, just STAY AWAY.  

But after recent reflections, i've realized the similarity between glitter and c-virus go beyond the bad and ugly.  When all is said and done, good from both can be gleamed.  With the play, it's the glitz of the show, with the c-virus, it's a wake-up call to what really matters.  

The past few weeks, we've been forced to slow down. This slower pace has exposed the JOY of simple pleasures like walking, riding bikes, talking more to neighbors and family. The PEACE of restructuring/deleting a lot on our to-do lists. The LOVE of experiencing life with those in our homes. The APPRECIATION of the sights and sounds of nature. The REALIZATION of the many good people around us. The CHANGE of habits established by wiser, safer behavior. The SACRIFICES made for the sake of our health, welfare and safety. To KNOW that being STILL is okay and good. The ADJUSTMENT of being content alone - with God. The ACCEPTANCE of God being in control.

As you spend sweet time with our Father, i am positive you can add more to the above list.

Father, we're trusting you through this difficult season.  The pain, suffering and death experienced by many is heart breaking. Yet, we rest, wait and trust You to guide us through this time. Help us keep our eyes on You as you bring hope, healing and direction to us.  I pray when this mess clears, we will see blessings received through Your Loving Hands. May we grow closer to You and each other in better ways.

we are loved and chosen by God, 
may we live like we believe it,
veneal