In the midst of all my "busyness" (is that a word), trying to stay focused on the positive, I almost missed the fact that this is Holy week. And today is Maundy Thursday. Today commemorates Jesus' Last Supper and His washing of the disciples' feet, the day before He was crucified.
When Jesus became a man, in human form, He did everything we do, except sin. He wept at the death of a friend. When Jesus witnessed Mary's tears over the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus wept (John 11:35) too. Jesus was also tempted (by Satan). From Matthew, "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil" (Matthew 4:4, NIV). And Jesus was overwhelmed, knowing what his fate was. He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39, NIV). Jesus also shared with his friends (disciples), asking them to pray with him and for him while He prayed, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me" (Matthew 26:38, NIV). But they fell asleep.
Reading the account as told by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John is compelling. Have you ever asked a friend to sit with you for a while? Or asked a friend to pray with and for you? What were your thoughts if that person "forgot", or didn't seem quite so interested?
During this time when we have been reduced to tears, tempted, felt overwhelmed or let down by some of our friends, it is time for us to do the right thing. Be there to encourage and love your friends and family. Take time to check on someone who is living alone. And by the way, I cannot imagine how living alone right now during a time when we are all isolated at home would feel. Know that I am praying for you, right this minute. Continue to follow the directives from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), and practice social distancing, washing your hands often, for 20 seconds, and staying home if you are sick.
No hugs right now, but not to worry. I'm saving them up for the next time we see each other face to face. I promise you a double portion!
Call someone at home. What a great idea. It's one that I've had on my mind for some time, but with my busyness and somebody writing here on AD articles like this that I try to comment on, time to make those calls slip away.
I guess I will have to schedule it or leave AD for a little while if I'm going to get those calls in.
Well done, well done, Kathryn! This too shall pass. You know God gives us believers time alone; time to spend with him and laying aside all earthly cares. All things work together for good, for those who love God. I live alone but never really alone, for the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. The apostle Paul said: Rejoice always, and again I say rejoice. Even in the midst of this pandemic, we still have joy, because there is no real joy without Christ in our lives. This joy cannot be taken away unless we are distracted. On another note, I do not write anymore on AD but have written lyrics for songs and if you'd like to hear a few, visit https://www.reverbnation.com/georgewarholak.
These song lyrics and art are tales, tides and twinkling lights - tunes telling stories of warmth and sun, city and sand, paths that lead, and the coins we can keep in the Karma Bank. Spirit's been bypassed for sorrow, dreaming of a better tomorrow .
Note: Since my husband's cancer surgery 4/25/05, this book content has been integrated into the public speaking content for audiences interested in a sassy approach to personal and/or community awareness events. Another chapbook on intimate love poet