The handyman wasn’t all that handy. When asked when he’d get at such and such, his usual response was, “Most any time now.” I still remember my parents’ frustration as he kept them dangling with his casual approach to real needs.
In the midst of this catastrophic time, some have chosen a casual,”most any time” approach to social distancing. If we listen to the scientists, we learn just a few can nullify the sacrificial acts of many. The health and healing of our world begs daily sacrifices. Before it’s too late, my ME needs to join the WE movement, for goodness sake.
Still, we who call ourselves Christians, should be used to this way of living. You know, “loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.” Since I’m isolated from my usual comings and goings, I’m left with time and space to think. Homework’s still tough. I’m learning I love me and not so much we. Some days, Jesus must be tempted to renege on His promises.
Today, an old Swedish hymn roused me from sleep. While I faith most days with hope, sometimes fear nibbles around the edges. Apparently, God knows my weapon of choice is music, so delivered a song this morning. If you know the tune, sing along.
“Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
gives unto each day what he deems best
lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
mingling toil with peace and rest.”
“Most any time now” is neither handy nor wise. Lent nudges us to increase our love for WE over ME.
When you think about it, God made the first move.
D
This story has been viewed 55 times
2 people HEART this story
12 Comments
If we can remember, Elizabeth and I will sing you that song at our next encounter!
I’d love that, David. With your good memory and heart, I’m confident you won’t forget.
I sang along, but, fortunately, God translated it to music the angels could bear. At times, Marty and I have asked each other “what day is it?” When we start asking, “where are we,?’ you will know to call 911 on our behalf.
Moments are what we have and when they are experienced in His presence they last a long time.
Thanks for all of your sweet reminders.
Dale
These moments add up to more than we can imagine, even on a bad day.
Hope today’s a good one for both of you.
My widowed Swedish mother’s most sung
-out-loud hymn in the days after my father died and left her with four children under the age of eight, I being the oldest. I know it by heart. I sing it often and a few months ago introduced it to our little church congregation.
What a heart-warming story, Radina. This is a good time to share stories of courageous men and women before and among us who demonstrate Holy Hope and trust in God while in the middle of hard times.
Jan, your site should be required daily reading for all people of faith. So often you articulate what I simply do not have the words to express but it speaks right to the heart. Thank you for touching the lives of so many in the very best way.
You, too, dear Maggie have done that for many through your life and words. Continue to spread Holy Hope.
I sang along!! Love it!!
I thought I heard you and your piano.
Sing on , my Faithful Philodendron Friend, while paying no attention to Dale.
Loved this Jan. One of my favorite hymns from long ago. So many things to pray about every day.
Yes, dear Jody. Day by Day…strength we find and Amazing Grace to “faith” whatever comes.