II Timothy 1:3, MSG, “Every time I say your name in prayer — which is practically all the time — I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot…”

Social Distancing

Social distancing to being quarantined is encouraged by our government and health workers. Two of my grandchildren, my husband and I have self quarantined at our house. Just like that I have become a homeschool teacher and caretaker of children. We play and we do school work, watch movies and, yes, we have our meltdowns. It has been a drastic change for all of us. We are safe and healthy, but I must tell you, family and friends, I miss you!

Smiles and Hugs

There were so many things on the calendar last week, church being my priority, meetings, Bible study with friends, all canceled. I miss the smiles, hugs, the warmth of a conversation with friends. I miss looking in the face of people to discern if they need a warm hug or special word of encouragement. I miss you!

High Risk

Never have I considered myself old even though my grandchildren remind me of my wrinkles or tell me I’m old. To be at ‘high risk’ because of my age is daunting. Most of my friends are there also. Many have health issues that make this virus especially dangerous. I’m praying for your safety and health. I miss you!

My Friend Jesus

Jeremiah 29:13, MSG, “When you come looking for Me, you’ll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.”

One thing that is reassuring during these days is that I don’t miss my friend and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is always with me, dwelling within. He gives me love, hope and a friendship like no other. When I am discouraged, we talk and He gives me encouragement. When I am lonely, He gives me companionship. When I need the strength and patience to keep up with the grandchildren, He gives me that as well.

He will Always Be with You

Matthew 28:20, NKJV, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus does not say in the word that He will miss you because if you know Him as your personal Savior, He will ALWAYS be with you. Social distance from your family and friends is hard and temporary. Jesus is always there. There is no disease or distance that keeps you apart from Him.

Draw Near to Him

Allow this time of distancing from others be a time of drawing nearer to Jesus Christ. Lean on Him and depend on Him more than ever. Pray for our country and those who are playing a major role in providing for us in healthcare, food industry and other services. Love one another from a distance. When this is over, we can have a large worship celebration sharing hugs with each other. I miss you!

Hillsong- “I Surrender”

Paula Wallace

Additional reading:

Walking in Darkness