Make Good Memories

Can you remember what happened in your life about one year ago? Yes! COVID-19! Everything shut down fast. Fear was in the heart of many people. Confusion and worry from the unknown were in the hearts and minds of many people. Many thought that after a few months everything would be back to normal. But that did not happen. Things are not back to normal yet. As someone said, “Normal is just a setting on the dryer.” I remember I was lonely during the COVID isolation. I experienced feelings of being separated from others – from family, friends, co-workers, church family, and people in general. I know I did not like that feeling. It was making me sad, and depressed. My emotions were up and down like a roller coaster. I knew I needed to change some things. Here are three things I did to help during this time of loneliness.

First, I made sure to read my Bible every day! Psalm 46:10 says that I am to “Be still and know that I am God.” My relationship with the Lord needed to grow and become stronger. It is my responsibility to feed myself with the Word of God. This is not the pastor’s or my husband’s responsibility, but it is mine. I must do it! Second, I reminded myself that God is in complete control of life, especially during the storms of life (Nahum 1:3, 7). I put my trust in Him. It was a time for my faith to grow. Third, I realized that if I was feeling this way, there were probably others going through the same kinds of things. This was a good time for me to reach out to others. I went for walks, looking to see who I might meet along the way to encourage. I tried to be friendly, to make cookies or a pie to take to someone. I tried to find ways to do something to help someone else. Just knowing that I was being an encouragement to others lifted my heart, spirit, and mind. As Ted Camp says, “Loving moments make lasting memories.” So let’s make some “more” lasting memories. Possibly your life has changed since last year. I am praying that your life has become stronger in the Lord. I am praying that your walk is closer and sweeter with your Savior. I am praying that your testimony is a bright light for others around you to see. “I had a broken heart to mend. God mended it by sending me a friend.” – JoAnn Whitaker