God Works for Good

“…In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

I view life through the lens of Romans 8:28. My experience with God working good out of hard circumstances are so numerous it is impossible for me to think otherwise and impossible not search for the good. That doesn’t mean situations like a year-long Covid pandemic aren’t challenging and full of longings. Longings and blessings.

LONGING: a strong, persistent desire or craving, especially for something unattainable or distant. (Dictionary.com)

· We are blessed to have a new home but long to invite others to share it with us. Indeed, we will schedule a huge party as soon as we know it’s safe.

· Blessed that our daughter is working from home and living with us. Blessed that two older grandkids Jacob and Grace came, quarantined a week, tested Covid- free, then spent several more weeks with us over Christmas and into the new year.

· Blessed that our children have shown deep concern for their “aged” parents. (But do they really need to remind us every single day just how old we are? I think not.)

· Blessed to stay connected, reading books on WhatsApp with four-year-old Noel in Australia, but we long to return to AU for in-person birthday parties and play time with him, 15-month-old Caroline, and their mom and dad.

·       Blessed to attend “Drive-by” graduation and birthday parties for granddaughter, Maddie, but we long to restart the Blue-Bloods-style, family dinners we enjoyed before Covid with our North Georgia family.

· Blessed to worship together, but long to blend our voices with our congregation and church choir, lifting praise to God.

· Blessed to have vaccines and a hope for better, freer days ahead. Blessed that this year of isolation made us appreciate the freedoms we enjoyed to travel, to gather, to connect with friends and family near and far. And we long to see smiles, touch, shake hands, and hug. Especially hug!

· Blessed that God’s Word sustains us and gives us hope. I often call on these three passages in trying times: Psalm 139, Romans 8:26-39, and this favorite. “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV

How have you managed this pandemic? Share your encouragement in the comments. And please, sign up to receive my occasional blogs and newsletters.