By: Esther Hernandez

The Covid19 pandemic which resulted in the shut of our country and most of the world in March of 2020 brought anxiety, fear, uncertainty; loss of life, loss of income, loss of homes, and loss of that sense of control that most of us liked to believe we had about our future.  It forced us to stop and slow down from all our running around – going here, going there, no time for this and no time for that, and no time for what is really important.

I was taught to slow down and take account of the things which are important to me.  Which are no things at all.  They are my family, friends, neighbors, people and my relationship with my heavenly Father.  These are what I embraced in my heart.  In constant petitions to my Father for their welfare, safety, and provision was how I kept them near.

In slowing down, I was able to remember life with them and the many, many blessings my heavenly Father had bestowed on me and my family.  I had time to recount the tiny fingers and toes, the sleepy eyes and smiles that came after.  I’ve been blessed with memories of lunches, laughter, tears and united prayer with family, friends and neighbors.  These too had been greatly missed.  Now I see my loved ones with more love, patience, compassion, tenderness and time. 

My heavenly Father has become more necessary in every scope of my life.  His mercy and compassion are still new every day, and His love still stretches to the most remote parts of the earth. 

I have been given time again to reach the lost and hurting.  Our communities are filled with fear, anxiety, a sense of hopelessness, poverty, hunger, homelessness, lawlessness and a senseless taking of life.  I will not waste time because time may be taken from me again.  2 Corinthians 6:2 says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.  Paul said in Romans 13:11, “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber. . .”  Here I am, Lord.  Use me.  Give me a heart like Yours.