Eastertime - Numbness

But he answered, "It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
~ Matthew  4:4

I woke up early this morning to the sound of another round of storms coming through our area.  The two-hour commute home from the city yesterday after spending all afternoon with one of my hospice patients and his family, just wore me out.  I think the term floating around in my head is, "exhausted," but I am up, and about to go into my first zoom meeting of the day.

I'm not sure if any of us really "know" how to feel about now.  We struggle with mixed messages about whether to go out into public or not?  To wear a mask, or not?  Is it safe, or not?  Suddenly the question, "What would Jesus do?" comes to mind, and I am still waiting on the answer.

There is no Biblical reference, until I begin to remember times of wandering in the desert for 40 years, years in exile, words that are laments, and Jesus in the tomb.  Asking ourselves, "Who am I and what am I to do?"

I am reminded that Biblical implications begin with the movement of the spirit, the doubting of a disciple, and moments of solitude.  That numbness is the encounter with grief, loss, and the unknown.  And then I sit in silence and invite grace, peace, and the promise that things, "will get better."

About now, I think we are all beginning to wake up and wonder, "Isn't it about time to have this all behind us?" 

Only to answer, "But then what is next?"

We are living in uncertainty that cannot be easily framed and placed on the wall for all to see.  It is about exploring, praying, and creating disciplines that will keep not just our physical selves healthy, but will promote both emotional well-being and mindfulness for others.

It's no longer asking, "What would Jesus do?"  It is God telling us, "Remind them of who I am!"

In that moment, I encounter an overwhelming feeling that reminds me that I am still living.  You and I are still seekers on a journey, and that eternity should always be the goal.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2020