2020 Vision 04 - "My Stimulus Check"

2020 VISION – My Stimulus Check

Because bad weather was forecast, I took Lizzy for her long walk in the park early in the morning before many had decided to break free from isolation for a breath of fresh air and a good leg-stretch. Because I did, I was rewarded with the sight of two birds I had never seen before – in fact I had to go home and look them up in our old bird book – an Eastern Blue Bird and a Wilson’s Warbler. I was mesmerized watching them vying for a good bit of real estate between the shrubs and the grasses.

I confess that my focus has been distracted looking for the arrival of the “Economic Impact Payment”, for I have a couple of significant bills to pay. But the Lord has been providing me with a different kind of stimulus check.

While we in the human world are traumatized by the COVID19 pandemic, Creation remains unruffled, going about its business seemingly without a care in the world. Spring is still pressing on here in the northern hemisphere, trees are in bloom, daffodils are fluttering and dancing in the breeze, and birds are finding mates and setting up homes.

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). This was said after the global devastation of the Flood. God promised. Spring still arrives because He promised. Oh, the magnolias in bloom still invite storms to threaten their beauty, and winter puts up a good fight, but spring still wins. Because He promised.

Focused on the crisis our vision becomes poor, myopic; eyes become tired, sore, and irritated. But taking long breaks to observe the beauty and rhythms of Creation reminds us of God’s goodness, of His faithfulness to keep His promises to care and provide for us, and that He has a bigger plan at work than we can possibly see. Now that’s a stimulus check. One that brings relief, corrects our vision, puts things in perspective, and brings peace to a troubled heart. So, take time and go drink in Creation and let it fill your mind and heart with hope. It’s the best prescription. Yesterday I saw a pair of bluebirds. Spring has come, as He promised.

Pam Russell Director of Women's Ministries Public Servants' Prayer