Welcome to The COVID-19 Devotionals | Day 15!
Keep A Positive Outlook
While the stay at home, shelter in place, social distancing of the past couple of weeks has thrown a serious kink into our lives, our efforts are not in vain. This time spent in voluntary separation (in most cases), does not need to be a total bummer either.
One thing I have always admired about my Mom is her ability to find the silver lining in any event in her life and her determination to make the best out of any situation, good or bad, that she can. And she’s had her share of both. Yet, anyone that knows her will tell you that she’s probably the most positive, optimistic person they know.
During one of the most challenging times in our personal lives and in the history of Planet Earth, it is important to keep a positive outlook.
Remember way back when, just a couple of months ago, when you wished you had more time with family and the flexibility to enjoy more of the fun things in life? Or maybe you had a home improvement project you couldn’t find the time to complete? Perhaps, your dream list is simpler and consists of carving out time to curl up with a good book or catch up on the latest binge-worthy TV show everybody’s talking about. Take advantage of the time. Don’t get caught up on the gloom and doom of it all. I get it. There’s plenty to worry about. There always is. If anything, COVID-19 should remind you to appreciate each day we’re granted on this earth.
Home Before Dark
Terri and I binged on the Apple TV+ show, Home Before Dark, that came out on Friday, April 3. Created by Dana Fox and Dara Resnik, Home Before Dark is an American mystery-drama series based on the real life adventures of nine-year old journalist Hilde Lysiak, played by Brooklynn Prince. The show also features Jim Sturgess, Abby Miller, Louis Herthum, Michael Weston, Kiefer O’Reilly, Kylie Rogers, Aziza Scott, Adrian Hough, Joelle Carter, Jibrail Nantambu, and Deric McCabe.
The show is well done and keeps you guessing. Each actor does a superb job playing their role and the writing is superb. The story unfolds through twists and turns in each episode and makes you want to watch the next episode like a great page-turning novel. Nine-year old Brooklyn Prince is remarkable, an actor mature beyond her years. The chemistry between her character and Jim Sturgess, who plays her father, is extremely natural, albeit very unique given Brooklyn’s character, as if they were really father and daughter in real life.
Enjoy Walks Together
Walking together has always been one of my favorite activities with Terri. She and I have walked in some pretty neat places in the twenty years God has chosen to bless me with her. It helps us unwind, reflect, and spend time in communion with God and His beautiful creation. Often when we walk, we pray for the people living in the houses that we pass by. Sometimes, we recite scripture we’ve memorized or are trying to commit to memory.
Getting out in the neighborhood allows the opportunity to greet our neighbors and fellow community members. We make it a point of saying hello and greeting people with a smile, although they don’t always reciprocate in kind. For us, it’s a simple way to show a little kindness and share the love and joy of Jesus with others.
Listen to Jim Hamner
For a number of years, Jim Hamner has played organ at our home church, Trinity Bible Richardson. Recently, Jim has been hosting an hour of piano music, titled “Quarantune Happy Hour,” thanks to Facebook Live. He’s slowly working through the American Songbook, playing tons of old favorites and familiar standards. He’s sharing the gift of music the Lord has given him with us, trying to brighten everyone’s day, even if it’s only for an hour. I’ve found it to be a pleasant distraction from the world around me.
You can catch Jim Hamner’s “Quarantune Happy Hour“, at 5 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday.
Cook Some Food!
I’ve enjoyed cooking dinner for Terri and I the past couple of weeks. While we love to go out, it’s nice to be able to sit down at home together over a meal that I prepared. I spent today smoking a roast and a tenderloin. The other day, I cooked baby back ribs, asparagus, and potatoes. It was delicious, if I do say so myself.
Having spent nearly 25 years in the food business, cooking is something I still love to do, especially for my bride. Besides, if you know me, you know I LOVE to eat. I think food is a great vehicle for building relationships and for demonstrating love in a tangible way.
Reflection Questions:
- How are you keeping a positive outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- What binge worthy shows are you streaming that you would recommend others watch to pass the time during the COVID-19 crisis?
- How are you spending time outside during the COVID-19 situation?
- Do you know of someone sharing their gifts online to help others relieve stress during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- What activities, like cooking, are you enjoying during this COVID-19 crisis?
Prayer:
Father God, we thank You for the blessings You reveal to us during this difficult time. We are hurting and we are suffering, but we know that You are with us amid this crisis, as You are in every day of our lives. We can trust that You are with us as we celebrate joyfully on the mountaintops and when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. This Holy Week, help us remember, that You are a good God who loved us so much so that You gave Your only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. What a remarkable gift You gave us that day on Calvary! Praise You, Lord. Praise You today and forevermore. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Praying that you and those you love remain healthy and safe. Together we will get through this thing that’s disrupted our lives.
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Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
ABOUT: The Devotional Guy™is a writing ministry of Rainer Bantau, a chaplain actively and intentionally sharing the love of Jesus with people working in the marketplace, the homeless, and wherever else he encounters them.
The Devotional Guy™ 