The one who listens to me, who carefully seeks me in everyday things and delays action until my way is apparent, that one will find true happiness. (Proverbs 8:34, The Voice)
Swirling mist blurred vibrant reflections on the mirrored lake. Minutes later, little clouds dissipated and an up-side-down forest glowed on the water.
Cypress limbs, heavy with last night’s rain, drooped like a weary traveler. Water diamonds gathered on the patio screen and waited to twinkle in the sun.
A couple of trees in the forest glowed a brilliant green, but shadows subdued the rest of the woods.
Despite the somber mood, cheerful birds sang melodious tunes. A spider web glistened from one limb to another of my oak tree.
Isolation brought changes both favorable and unfavorable. For months, I stayed home alone. Normal activities stopped, but I discovered uplifting shows on television. My car rested but biking surged. Walking provided daily exercise.
During the pandemic, my time enjoying nature from my patio increased. A collection of birds appeared daily from a tiny hummingbird to majestic eagles. An abundance of vivid flowers graced my garden. My time with God each morning became richer and more bountiful as my faith grew.
After days of jumping from one activity to another with little focus, I wrote a lengthy to-do list. Gradually, the list grew smaller. Along with chores like cleaning the garage and purging files, I read many books, and returned to long forgotten crafts. With two butterfly cages, I became fascinated with the metamorphosis of Monarch butterflies. Even though the Internet kept me connected to the world. But cards and phone calls to family and friends relieved loneliness. Leisurely days, continued for several weeks.
Then Zoom enterer my life with three Bible studies, writers’ group meetings, writing critique sessions, and board meetings. Local charities needed supplies so I braved the virus, donned my homemade mask, and ventured out. After weeks of free time, suddenly, I needed a schedule.
When the sun rose and light replaced shadows, life around the lake changed. Likewise, opening up our country took me into a new phase.
Living in isolation restyled my life in positive and negative ways. Although I missed being with family and friends, I enjoyed a less complicated way of life.
Decisions await. Will I return to an often-hectic schedule or cut back on some activities? Will I continue pursuits I actually enjoy or hang on to stressful obligations? Will I remove the insignificant to concentrate on the significant?
In seclusion, I realized what was most important. Praying for wisdom and direction, reading the Bible, enjoying people I treasure, and serving with the love of Jesus give me joy and purpose. God takes it all and weaves something beautiful.
Loving Father, thank you for working in my life and revealing your plan for me even in the midst of such change and uncertainty. Amen
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