our world is changing so fast right now, hour by hour even, rather than day by day – every news conference brings more information and more changes to our daily lives based on that ever changing, ever evolving information.

so I guess my first true confession for today should be – I can’t keep up!  I have always said, new information changes things.  When we learn something new we have to be ready to change our behavior in light of the new information.  Most of us are trying.  It’s just changing so fast, it’s hard to keep up.

We are in a race where the finish line is unknown at this time and it is easy to grow weary – but we have to keep running.  As I watch the news, I find myself deeply grateful for all those in healthcare and hospitals and those in shipping and delivery who are showing up to work each day, taking care of the ill and keeping supplies of food, medical supplies and yes, even toilet paper on our store shelves.

Thank you.  It is hard to be at home when so many are working harder than ever during this crisis.  But we each have a part to play, and my staying home may help lighten the healthcare load because I won’t become ill.

next true confession – I am now officially a germophobe.  Actually, germophobe is now the new cool.  Washing our hands is now an act of patriotism.  The most effective, high powered weapons of this war are soap, water, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and masks.  (sorry toilet paper, you are not on the list, even though all of America mistakenly thought you were)

The top secret military maneuvers of this war are self isolation and social distancing.  We are told that these maneuvers, if practiced by everyone, will eventually defeat the enemy (corona virus) and win the war.  I, myself, am becoming highly skilled in these two maneuvers and practice them daily and diligently.

This daily diligence requires much dedication but pays big dividends.  As you know my new best friends are now telemarketers and newscasters.  I would say I need to get out more, but as you all know, that is simply not an option at this time.

so, my final true confession for today, dear readers, is simply this – I am lonely. (they don’t call it isolation for nothing, in prison it’s called solitary and it’s a punishment)  But now it is an act of patriotic service to our country and to our neighbors and coworkers.  We are all sacrificing in different ways.  As the President said, “we are in this together.”

Amidst all these changes, occurring faster than we can adjust to them, we need to remember what never changes.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  (Hebrews 13:8)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”  (Matthew 24:35)

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  (James 1:17)

“He remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations,”   (Psalm 105:8)

Our Creator God never changes, love lasts, kindness conquers, compassion and self sacrifice show up stronger than ever in times like these.  It is when everything else is stripped away from our daily lives, that the presence of God with us, which has been there all along, is now revealed more clearly, and we experience His presence as if for the first time.

sincerely,      Grace Day