Stay In Today
How are you? I’ve asked my friends, my family and myself this question so many times over the past twenty-two or so days. Honestly, some days I feel absolutely fine, I would even admit I’m actually enjoying this period of rest and disconnect, but other days not so much.
For some reason, Mondays seem to be particularly hard for me. Most likely because I’m a planner and every Monday I sit down and look at my calendar for the next week, next month, next year.
When the quarantine started our Spring Training trip to Arizona was the first scheduled trip that was canceled. Last week I was supposed to spend three nights at St. Pete beach with my best friends from college (we are turning forty this year and we haven’t all been together in a few years) and those plans were obviously kiboshed.
I have so many friends who’s plans are in limbo, jobs are in limbo, relationships are in limbo, health is in limbo. Right now the social distancing recommendation continues until May 1st, but depending who you speak/listen to I’m sure you’ve heard conflicting opinions.
I honestly have no idea when this will end, and I don’t think anyone really does? The only thing I do know is that God is in control. I can not put a time table on God, His timing is always perfect.
This next week is one of the “holiest” weeks on our calendar. Today is Palm Sunday, Wednesday starts Passover, Good Friday and then Easter.
Palm Sunday is the day that Christians remember and celebrate, the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem as Savior and King. As he rode on a donkey into the town of Jerusalem a large crowd gathered and laid palm branches and their cloaks across the road and sang songs of hallel (see Psalm 118). What people in that day experienced was a triumphal entry, but what they didn’t know is it was Jesus’ first step toward His death.
Like the people on that road holding palm branches we cannot see tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after, but we are not called to do that.
What makes me anxious, depressed, feeling crazy? Thinking about tomorrow. Last Monday I had a day where I literally was crying out to God. Do you know what he said? Stay in today.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
The present is where we are, where God is with us and where His grace is abundant.
So today, we remember Jesus’s triumphal entry, we shout “Hosanna.” Maybe you’ve watched church on-line, or created a craft with palm leaves (I’ve seen the most beautiful wreaths with palm branches on them.) Or maybe you are just having one of those day, and that’s ok too. No matter where you are today just invite Him in to walk with you. I promise, he’ll meet you exactly where you’re at.