I think
covid
has taken
from us
more than
we care to
dwell on.
I think
all the changes
have worn us
quite thin
in more ways
than we care
to face.
But if we did face it,
if we named them,
all those feelings
we push aside
to stay steady,
we’d all cry
or we’d throw things
and yell
and then immediately feel
guilty
that we even made
such a fuss.
It feels childish
to wish
that life
be fair.
That the future
we expected
be the future
we get.
But maybe that’s what happens
when it’s all
taken away
and we let ourselves
feel our heart hurt,
and express
those big feelings.
We are like children.
No control over
our uncertain future.
Limited in our dreams and plans.
Lacking the independence
we love and yearn for.
Contained to be kept safe.
Told “no” a thousand times a day
and made to feel shame
if we break
“the rules.”
Watching helplessly
as more rules are made
and feeling uncertain
at which ones are gray.
Afraid of the great unknown
and feeling so very
out of control.
Stuck with
the same people
day in and day out
with no variety
or a break.
With or without money we can’t spend.
With too much time on our hands
and nothing to do.
I don’t like being treated
like a child
even when I feel like one.
But Papa-God,
He calls us His children.
Not his
limited, contained, frustrated, angry, disappointed, sad, stir crazy children.
But His
powerful, free, brave, joyful, creative, hopeful, compassionate, fulfilled children.
Our destiny
isn’t revoked
cause of covid.
Our calling to love others
as we want to be loved
is not limited
by smaller circles.
Our position
as a child
of a king
who has full access
to the abundance
of Heaven
is not reduced
by trials
or circumstances.
A child,
in a safe home,
with loving, consistent parents,
will find themselves
growing in character development
in leaps and bounds.
Not shamed for having big feelings.
Not guilt-tripped for having a bad day.
But loved and accepted,
encouraged and guided,
empowered and heard,
seen and known,
assured and at peace.
Content.
Romans 5: 3-5
Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence,
knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance.
And patient endurance will refine our character,
and proven character leads us back to hope.
And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy,
because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!
Psalm 131
Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty;
Nor do I involve myself in great matters,
Or in things too difficult for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul;
Like a weaned child [resting] with his mother,
My soul is like a weaned child within me
[composed and freed from discontent].
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Be a child.
Cry.
Be angry.
Tell him
All you feel.
Name each feeling.
Wrestle those worries
into worship.
Take a run around the block.
sacred rest 