From Mrs. Molly Barnett
“Call upon me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15. Comfort found in Scripture is like balm to our wounded spirits in these perplexing days. It is likely that more questions than answers are floating around in our minds, and the uncertainty of the immediate future fuels anxiety. On top of it all, schools are now closed for the remainder of the year, leaving parents to facilitate the education of their child or children, many in multiple grades.
Perhaps you find yourself asking how you will adequately teach your children and not only that but continue to manage your own work! Although I cannot provide us all with a fool proof plan that yields instant results, I can point us to certainty. Where might we find certainty and truth in an undulating world of breaking news?
We need only to look to Scripture, first and foremost, where we may hear the life giving Words of our Good Shepherd. We likely feel terribly alone right now, not only because we are not physically present with one another, but also because new tasks have been handed to us, jobs we have never attempted to do before in uncharted territory! Nevertheless, God tells us in the familiar Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” As we all continue to live our lives, we might find rest in the assurance of God’s hand over us especially now in this dark time. We are, in fact, not alone! I know that I need a daily reminder of this eternal Truth. One thing my family has implemented into our daily schedule is a morning devotion. Beginning our day with Scripture reminds us what is of utmost importance, allowing us to rest in God’s grace the remainder of the day. How marvelous His grace is for our salvation!
Regarding our work at hand, the continued education of our children, we ought to extend grace to ourselves, so to speak. It might take us a few weeks to settle into a working rhythm, especially in households with multiple children, and that is more than acceptable! Rest assured that our teachers love your children and will continue their work in their vocations to teach them from afar, but also God has equipped you to be your child’s teacher. He lovingly placed them into your arms, heard your cries during their early days of infancy, and continues to listen to your worries now. This does not mean that you must perfectly execute lessons while maintaining a flawlessly ordered home! Some things will fall through the cracks, and again, that is ok. What we can do is reach out to teachers and parents for guidance and for whatever wisdom we might offer to one another.
These are certainly unique days, but they do not have to be filled with darkness. Perhaps there is more time to prepare meals together, take walks, read, and pray. Maybe we learn more about one another, how to work with one another, forgive, and seek forgiveness. Although we long to return together in person, let us give thanks for what we may. We might give thanks for the right use of technology in helping us to remain connected even now. Perhaps the dinner table is filled again. In all we do, we know that we worship a God who took on our flesh, knows our woes, and has not forsaken us now. Let us look to the cross of Christ and His resurrection for our soul’s certainty and continue to fulfill the vocations in which God has placed us now, knowing we are not alone.