Any day now. . . .


The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.
–Jawaharlal Nehru

Any day now. . . .

My daffodils are late this year.

There are a few strays in the woods behind the yard that have dared to raise their yellow heads. They stand here and there, adding a touch of uncertain sunshine to the dreariness of April.

My neighbor’s white ones are in full flower. They’re shoulder to shoulder in tight clumps. But mine? Not yet.

They’re loaded with buds! Their stems are strong and verdant, eager—yet timid. It’s as if they know something I can’t yet know. Patience, they whisper. Everything will come to pass in its own good time.

As if to reinforce their wisdom: tonight’s weather calls for snow. Open too soon, or try to do too much—and failure is imminent. Wait. Watch for the signs. Breathe. Exhale. . . .

So, too, with this novel virus that’s pummeling the whole world.

We have had enough. We are tired of being told where we can go, what we can do. We want to go out for dinner! We are wishing we could go back to work! (Who knew???)

How long, O Lord, will we be held hostage by this invisible enemy, by the caprices of this “bug”?

Patience. We will get through this, and we will be better for it. But for right now—watch and wait. Any day now—but not yet. Breathe. And wash your hands (again) with that nice soap that smells like spring. . . .


Monday Easter is over. Spring is on its way (I promise). Where do you see signs of life renewing itself? Acts 2:36-41

Tuesday Sometimes, life changes slowly. Where do you see last vestiges of winter, refusing to let go? Look for beauty in dying. Psalm 116:1-4

Wednesday Have you done a good deed lately? It’s hard at a distance. Find a way to surprise someone today, with a note or a call or. . . ? Psalm 116:12-19

Thursday Where in your spirit has winter taken its toll? It has been a long one, in many ways. Today—rest. Let the seeds God is planting germinate. Pray. 1 Peter 1:17-23

Friday Smell is the strongest component of memory. Today, breathe deeply and allow your soul to simply take it in. Relax. Luke 24:13-17

SaturdayAs you pray today for yourself, recognize where you are lacking in patience. Unload your impatient feelings and thoughts on God and wait. Luke 24:18-26

Sunday Whether you are worshiping alone or in an online group, God is with you. Trust and believe in that truth. Wherever two or more are gathered, God’s Holy Spirit makes us as one in Jesus. Sing a favorite hymn aloud. Luke 24:27-35

If I advocate cautious optimism, it is not because I do not have faith in the future, 
but because I do not want to encourage blind faith. –Aung San Suu Kyi

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