Reflections from the Home Team - April 23, 2020

“So, if you aren’t okay, it’s okay. It’s okay to be scared, frustrated and feel down. You just don’t want to stay there too long and allow these feelings to take you down a spiral staircase of depression and despair. The key is to find the optimism, hope and faith to keep going and create a better future.”

Jon Gordon

Greetings from Cedar Falls!

I think we would all agree that the past few weeks have been a unique time for all of us. I know I have received several messages from good friends about how the Covid 19 isolation and social distancing has impacted them and their families in a “not so positive” way.  In fact, a couple of them have used the analogy that they are in a “slump” because of it.  Ages of those sharing concerns with me range from 6 to 60, so it’s certainly a potential concern for everyone, regardless of age...

For those of you who are not familiar with the term “slump”, here’s a quick refresher…  In baseball, a batter can be defined as "slumping" when he has gotten few or no hits over a period, and his batting average during that time is far below that of his expectations. Even the best of hitters frequently experience hitting slumps. (I’ve been there a number of times…)

I recall one spring season in particular where I was rolling along, seeing the ball well and hitting it hard consistently, when all of a sudden, I went 0 for 18 in my next 18 at bats… Am I going too fast for you? OK, let me say it again for you a bit more slowly – that’s 0 for 18!  A “zero” and then a “one” with an “eight” next to it. Eighteen at bats, zero hits, OUCH!

So how did I go about fixing or getting out of the slump? I was certainly getting "a lot of advice” from coaches, teammates, fans and friends related to the mechanics of my swing, all well intentioned of course, but not effective. I didn’t need to get out of my hitting mechanics, I needed to get out of my hitting slump!  I needed to get into my own head and work on my mindset, going from where I was while in a slump; tense, impatient, anxious and anticipating bad results to a point where I was performing at my best and crushing the ball again.

As I’ve mentioned, every player, sooner or later, will run into a long hitting slump. It happens to youth players as well as Hall of Fame professionals. In fact, we know players can expect to run into multiple slumps throughout their careers — if not a single season!  Some of this is due to luck. Much of it comes down to remaining positive and continuing to utilize a good “approach”. But slumps happen due to things both within and outside of a player’s control.  Kind of like the Covid 19 pandemic…

One thing I’ve learned and taken to heart since cancer is to not worry about things that are not in my control! In baseball, sometimes the opposition makes an amazing defensive play. Sometimes the umpire makes a bad call. Sometimes you’re just hit with a bout of dumb luck. We can’t get down when these things happen. All are outside of our control. Stressing over things that are outside of our control is pointless and will only make things worse.

Probably the single biggest reason a player will fall into a prolonged slump is a loss of confidence. A person’s frame of mind will always impact performance and a lack of confidence will almost always lead to poor results. Confidence can change everything! By staying positive and continuing to take a good approach, things will turn around! As a “player” in both baseball and the game of life who has gone through a number of personal “slumps”, I have always tried to provide some additional attention and support to anyone I see “slumping” to help keep them thinking positively. We can all do the same by staying connected with those we love and care about, even if it’s digitally as we follow the guidelines established as we move forward in our current reality.

I recently received a note from a good friend who runs a baseball instructional school in Texas.  We go back a long way, as he was one of my first High School players at Sioux City Heelan High School where I began my coaching career. Tim and I have stayed in touch over the years as he works with young players of all ages, not only teaching them solid baseball skills, but also sharing his passion and life lessons learned from the game. Tim writes:

Hi Coach, 

Hope you're doing well during this crazy time. We're doing well down here, just tired of being cooped up. I was wondering if you would do me a favor please?  One of the littlest guys I have is having a tough time with all this quarantine stuff. Sam is 6yrs old. Most of the time kids that age should be worried about nothing more than what the snack is after the game.  Sam is a true baseball fan. His first lesson he told me how many days it was until spring training started.  He eats sleeps and breaths baseball. 

Anyway, I'm trying to find something a little different for Sam to boost his spirits a bit. If I send you a video of one of his swings would you mind making a few comments for me? Just the fact that his swing was looked at by a scout for the Braves should keep a smile on his face for a bit. 

Thanks,

Tim

As you can see from Tim’s note, he has his priorities in the right place. His concern for young Sam is not just about his hitting mechanics, but rather about how he can lift 6-year-old Sam’s spirits in this time of isolation and quarantine. 

I did respond to the video that Tim sent of Sam’s swing, breaking down Sam’s mechanics and added some positive words of encouragement. Sam’s mom sent back a thank you for helping place a smile back on Sam’s face, and I think we may have picked up yet another Braves fan in the process.

Sam, probably like most of us, is going through a wide range of emotions where many of the norms and guidelines we have lived by have changed dramatically. You may have felt denial, anger and sadness over the past month or so leading you into a “mental slump” as well.  I want to reassure you that is OK!  As always seems to be the case, my favorite author, Jon Gordon has some wisdom to share on this topic in a recent post titled IT’S OK TO NOT BE OKAY.

Jon Writes:

IT’S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY

It’s okay to not be okay. You never want to ignore or deny how you feel. Being positive doesn’t mean you suck it up and put a fake smile on your face. It’s okay to go through a wide range of emotions and feel the stages of grief. You might have felt denial, anger, sadness, acceptance and meaning over the last 4 to 5 weeks. Actually, you might even feel these stages and emotions in the course of a day. There’s no rule book on how to feel during the course of a global pandemic where the rules and social norms of our lives have changed. You were used to seeing your colleagues at the office, hugging your friends, going to church, taking your kids to school, eating at restaurants, going to sporting events, rooting for your favorite pro baseball or basketball team, gathering with friends, petting your neighbors dogs... and now you can’t. You’re not used to seeing a daily ticker on the television screen counting the deaths of people around the world and in your country and seeing daily images of people in hospitals... and now you are. So, if you aren’t okay, it’s okay. It’s okay to be concerned about the loss of life, the condition of our economy and the expansion of authoritarian government policies. Some act like you have to pick one but it’s okay to concerned about all three simultaneously. It’s okay to be scared, frustrated and feel down. You just don’t want to stay there too long and allow these feelings to take you down a spiral staircase of depression and despair. The key is to find the optimism, hope and faith to keep going and create a better future. This is not about seeing the world through rose colored glasses. This is knowing you have the power to overcome the thorns. You have the power to shift your perspective and turn your pain into purpose and struggle into strength. One day I honestly was letting everything get the best of me. I realized my worry, fear, sadness and anger weren’t going to help me be my best or bring out the best in others. So, I decided I wasn’t going to buy the doom and gloom being sold and told on the news and social media. Instead I was going to invest in faith, love and hope. Everything changed after that. The biggest compliment I receive is that people will tell me I helped them keep going when they wanted to give up and I hope these words do this for you today. Winston Churchill said, “If you are going through hell, don’t stop. Keep going!” In other words, feel your feelings, give yourself permission to not be okay and then empower yourself with the tools you need to keep moving forward so you can be okay. Keep believing, keep working, keep going! Jon

As we face the “slumps” that may come our way in this life, let’s invest in each other with faith, hope and love. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 shares; “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 

There's no doubt that each of these virtues — faith, hope, and love — has great value.  Faith is what motivates us to move forward even when the odds are against us. Hope keeps us moving forward, it’s what fuels us to face those difficult challenges and love is at the foundation for every good thing in our lives. Without love, nothing else matters.

May we serve each other in this manner in the days and weeks ahead!

Blessings your way!

Be safe and be well!

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - April 15, 2020

“Jackie’s quote lays out a challenge to each of us as we confront the challenges the Covid 19 pandemic presents in all of our lives.  Too often, we sit in the grandstand and watch as life is played out on the field in front of us. Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve."

Greetings from Cedar Falls!

Today is Jackie Robinson Day and I can’t think of a better time to recognize one of my favorite baseball heroes.  Jackie endured unthinkable taunting and abuse as he broke the baseball color line on this day back in 1947. His impact on not only baseball, but on our country is literally immeasurable!  I have held many of Jackie’s quotes in my heart over the years, but one in particular has touched me over the past several weeks.

“Life is not a spectator sport. If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life.”

Jackie’s quote lays out a challenge to each of us as we confront the challenges the Covid 19 pandemic presents in all of our lives.  So too often, we sit in the grandstand and watch as life is played out on the field in front of us. Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve."

I read the story below online a couple weeks ago and it has found a special place in my heart because it demonstrates “getting back into the game” with compassion and kindness. It reads:


An elderly woman had finally succumbed to the coronavirus in a New York City hospital. Her doctor, overwhelmed with patients, talked to her son over the phone to give him the news.

The son asked the doctor if he could please take the phone to his mom’s room and put him on speaker so he could say a solemn Jewish prayer over his mom.

This doctor had more patients to see, but he realized this man never got to say goodbye to his mom and what this moment meant to him. So, he granted the man’s request. When he was done the man thanked the doctor. The doctor, in tears now, thanked the man because the experience of that prayer gave him the courage and strength that he needed to continue his work.

I’m guessing the doctor didn’t take the phone into the mother’s room for the son to pray over her to be a hero, but instead to show kindness and compassion to a family who got caught up in one of the terrible experiences this pandemic has caused. The power of presence (even digital presence) should never be underestimated and is most certainly one of the ways we can get back in the game!  

When I was a kid, I often dreamed of being a hero, at first, probably some form of superhero -- Superman, Captain America, Captain Marvel (I loved Marvel comic books!). Then it progressed to be a great athlete like my some of my baseball heroes (Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson and Johnny Bench). What I didn’t know back then (and realize now) is that heroes don’t need to wear capes, or a sports uniform and they don’t have to have superpowers or amazing God-given talent. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. All genders, all races, and all religions.

They are doctors and nurses serving on the front lines, hospital cleaning crews, drivers making sure there is food at the grocery store for us. And they’re the ones stocking those grocery shelves, working the checkout registers. They are the people sitting out in front of our neighborhood schools at lunchtime passing out lunches to students who come by for perhaps their only decent meal of the day. (I witnessed that at Holmes Jr. High last week). They are also the teachers, who are delivering lessons to their students online now. This list could go on and on and on…

Sometimes, the things we see as obstacles, as rocks in our path, (such as this pandemic) are really opportunities, treasures in disguise.  There is no easy path to success, and I’m sure that as we talk about each of our journeys, we will discover that we all have had some rocks or stones in each of our paths over the years.

My motto has always been “BE READY BECAUSE YOU MAY BE THE DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE AT ANY MOMENT OF THE DAY!”  It brings to mind a letter I received from a good friend who coached High School baseball in northern Wisconsin for a number of years. We got to know each other as we were presenting at a coaching seminar and the letter came at a time when both of us were questioning whether we were having an impact on the student athletes we were working with. The letter spoke to my heart and has demonstrated how we never know when or where we may have an opportunity to impact others.

It reads:

Coach Welter,

Over twenty years of coaching has left me with the same frustrations that were driving many of us out of the profession. In a society that emphasized immediate and easy gratification, I was emphasizing hard work and self-denial. In a work force that expected more pay for fewer hours I was putting in more hours and the salary was insulting. I thought my work was important, but nobody else seemed to care… Sometimes I wondered if it was worth it.

A tragedy convinced me it was. Late one afternoon last July as my wife and I prepared to go out, my catcher came running to the house.  “Coach, come quick, Chad’s been hurt really bad.” Chad, one of my starting pitchers had wrecked his motorcycle two blocks from my house.  I dropped everything and ran to the scene. When I got there, the paramedics were loading Chad into the ambulance.  So, I raced back home and drove to the hospital. The ER nurse explained that Chad was in critical condition and that nobody could find his parents.  A little later, we learned that his parents were away camping in Minnesota.  Even if we could reach them, they had at least a five-hour drive ahead of them to get to the hospital.

As word of the accident spread, Chad’s teammates started showing up in the waiting room.  For most of them, this was the first time the threat of death was so close.  It was obvious that the doctors had a job to do in the ER and I had a job to do in the waiting room. A little later, the nurse told us that Chad would be transferred to University Hospital in Madison as soon as a med-flight helicopter was available. I knew I had to drive to Madison so somebody would be there with Chad.

I arrived at University hospital before Chad did.  I explained that I was the closest thing to family that Chad had until we could reach his parents. The doctor told me that Chad’s condition was very grave and that my job was to help the family when they arrived. “Also, if you believe in God, a few prayers are in order.”

When the helicopter arrived, I stepped out into the hall and caught a glimpse of Chad as they rolled him in. He was unconscious and his face was badly swollen.  I knew that if anyone could make it, Chad could. He was solid muscle and a tough kid, but I was beginning to realize that those qualities might not be enough. Somebody finally contacted Chad’s parents. His mother was worried that nobody was there with Chad, but the nurse told her that I was with him and would stay until his parents arrived. At least her son was not facing this ordeal alone.

As the evening dragged on, the waiting room filled with teammates.  There was no word from the emergency room.  This was a mixed blessing because everyone was afraid of what the word might be when it did come. Time magnified the frustration and anxiety of Chad’s teammates. They were young, impetuous and strong.  They were not accustomed to sitting helplessly and waiting. They had stormed through many obstacles, but this was one they couldn’t run over. One by one, the frustration overwhelmed them. One went into the Chapel and prayed; One walked out into the parking lot and pounded on a wall. Another wandered through the halls. Once again, I had a job to do.

Finally, Chad’s family arrived. Their minister consoled the parents and I took a long walk with Dan, Chad’s younger brother. I couldn’t answer the questions he asked, nobody could. So, we just walked and talked. About 1:30 am, the doctors called the family into a consultation room and confirmed everyone’s worst fear; Chad was dead.

The waiting room erupted into a babel of praying, swearing and crying.  These were young men who were not used to losing, and they had just lost the biggest one of all.  All those locker room platitudes, about the game of life were now excruciatingly true.  Someone ran up to me and said, “Coach, you better help Dan.  He looks like he is going to lose it.” So, while Chad’s father comforted his wife, I put my arm around Dan and tried to steady him.  The four of us walked into the darkened room where Chad’s body lay. As we left Chad, his father turned to me and said; “Coach, I really believe that somehow, Chad knew you were with him tonight. Thanks for being here.” It was 3 o’clock in the morning as I drove home.  I prayed. I prayed for Chad, I prayed for his family and I prayed for Chad’s teammates. I also thanked God for making me a coach!

As always,

Your friend, Joe

A lot of things ran through my mind after reading this letter… I have stressed many of the things Joe mentioned in his letter as a teacher, coach and principal.  Sometimes students, athletes and parents just don’t buy into it. Despite that, as Joe said, it took a tragedy to convince him it was all worth it. His special relationship with his squad and with Chad was a good example of the importance of relationships and are the key to building the strength and support needed to survive and move forward through life’s challenges. As Colossians 3:12 shares: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

I think most of us grew up wanting to be heroes. This is our chance. This is our moment. Let’s find a way to contribute. Lift someone’s spirits today. Be an encourager in someone else’s life. Be a hero!

Stay healthy and be well!    

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/

Reflections from the Home Team - April 10, 2020

“I believe everyone can trace their good qualities to a handful of life lessons that helped shape their mind and body. If you look deep into your soul, I’m sure something will come to mind. These life changing events and experiences are what form our opinions, work ethic, life goals, and define the essence of our being. For me, baseball has taught me these life lessons over a number of decades as a young person, as a player and as a coach.”

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

It seems every recent text, email and conversation with friends begins with, "This is crazy”, or “When are we going to get back to normal?”  It sometimes feels like we are living in a bad movie experiencing a surreal moment that made us confront the reality that this isn't a game or a movie, but rather, life as we now have come to know it. While the NCAA didn't host “March Madness” this year because of the Corona Virus, we certainly experienced our own version of “March Madness”.

The goal of athletic teams, whether basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, wrestling or for that matter, any competitive sport during playoffs, is to survive and advance. Teams want to somehow, someway make it through one round to advance to the next. How they do it doesn't have to be pretty and they may not play their best. They just want to win the battle today to give themselves a shot to compete in the next round where they hope to adapt and ultimately advance.

From a physical standpoint, I think that should be the goal for all of us in the upcoming months when competing against this virus. We currently have a new and different version of a virus that we haven't experienced before. My personal goal is to survive it by strengthening my immune system, (working on that daily) and do my best to win the battle each day. By allowing my body to adapt so I can ultimately be stronger, I can continue on with my life journey according to God’s plan. 

There have been many life lessons along the way for me that have helped me in this process, and I’ve tried my best to articulate some of those through my reflections. I believe everyone can trace their good qualities to a handful of life lessons that helped shape their mind and body. These life changing events and experiences are what form our opinions, work ethic, life goals, and define the essence of our being. For me, baseball has taught me many of these life lessons over a number of decades as a young person, as a player and as a coach.

When I was young, I grew up on a farm outside of town.  My dad actually took some of his crop out of production (a real sacrifice) and together, we built a baseball field so we could play and host neighborhood games. The “neighborhood” consisted of about a 12 square mile area. No adults, no umpires, just us kids left to learn and play the game. Many of the “kids” in the neighborhood were older than me and my siblings, so we had to “play up” and any success I may have had made me want more, it was “infectious and contagious” to coin a phrase used a lot these days. This was my first life lesson… being successful and achieving goals was a most gratifying feeling, and I wanted to have that feeling as much as possible.

When I got to my teenage years, I was introduced to organized baseball “in town”. I looked forward to playing every day, riding my bike into town from the farm to play on several different teams. I looked forward to making the high school team because they played home and away games like a real baseball team and they practiced every day. I actually hoped to make the varsity squad as a sophomore as we had a pretty talented class and I had pretty much always played up with older athletes, but that didn’t happen as our coach wisely allowed upperclassmen their opportunity to compete first. This is how I learned the lesson of delayed gratification. As I invest time and effort into my present-day ventures, I look back at that experience as a formative time. There are many times in my life that have required delayed gratification. If it weren’t for not making the varsity squad my sophomore year, I might have felt entitled to success in the game and in life.

When I was in high school, we had answering machines…. not voicemail. I remember coming home on a random spring day after practice and my dad said, “there’s a message for you on the machine.” It was a college asking me to come visit as the coach wanted me to come and play for his school. I called him back and a couple months later I was enrolled as student athlete getting the opportunity to be a college baseball and football player. This was an amazing opportunity for me because I never viewed myself as being naturally talented like many of my teammates. I had to spend more time than anyone else on the field, in the weight room and in the batting cages in order to compete and succeed by getting to the next level. And as they often say… the rest is history.

Throughout my high school and college years I made amazing friendships and earned a place in what I refer to as the “Baseball Fraternity.” It’s not a real Fraternity, but an unspoken bond that baseball players have with each other. This exists between guys that KNOW the grind of playing competitively and doing whatever it takes to get to the next level. “Getting to the next level…” has been the MOST valuable lesson I learned from baseball. I may not always have been the most talented, but I will NOT be outworked.

I believe I am where I am and who I am today because I played the game. I look back at my competitive baseball years and truly believe the lessons learned were more valuable than many of those I learned in the classroom. Baseball is a passion that I simply cannot shake.  I still learn lessons from the game today, even as I have reached an age when my mind tells my body one thing, and my body goes a completely different way in response… Despite that, we are never too old to learn!

As we have lost opening day this year, a time that normally gets us excited for the new season wondering what team will win it all in October, there are still many other victories to be earned other than simply earning a W. I recently read a piece entitled Opening Day - Life Lessons from Baseball and I wanted to share it with you as I know many of you have young players in your house. I hope you enjoy reading this piece.  I think we all know as parents that there are MANY lessons that are learned from sports, but somehow, baseball sticks out for me…  Imagine that!!

Opening Day - Life Lessons from Baseball 

Credit to Spell it out photos...

Don’t Argue Balls and Strikes – Even if you are 100% sure that it was bad call. Try not to blow up in the umpire’s face. It will usually result in an even worse outcome. Have you EVER seen an umpire change a ball/strike call. 

Life Lesson: Learn to avoid the battles that can’t be won. Take the good with the bad and trust that the law of averages will eventually be on your side. 

Attitude Matters – Tuck in your shirt, run to your position, and don’t ever throw your helmet. 

Life Lesson: Take it seriously but have fun. If things don’t go your way, don’t throw a fit, just figure out how to do it better next time. This is the attitude that makes a good employee, person, spouse, and friend.

Learn to Bounce Back – You will strike out. You will make an error. You will try to steal a base and fail.  Baseball is a game of failure, so use these setbacks as learning experiences. Failing isn’t bad.  In baseball, if you fail 50% of the time at the plate, you have an incredible batting average. 

Life Lesson:  Don’t let your failures blind you from your successes. Put yourself out there and learn from the setbacks. Don’t be afraid to take chances or let failure stop you from trying again.

Collect Yourself – A pick-off attempt is made, and you dive back into first. Don’t be afraid to call time, brush yourself off, straighten your hat, and then lead off again. 

Life Lesson: Learn to take small moments in life to collect yourself. 

Don’t be Intimidated – It’s the pitcher’s job to intimidate you as a batter. He will throw curve balls at your head and inside pitches to your body. Who owns that plate, you or the pitcher? If the pitcher takes control, you lose. Don’t get intimidated, stand close to the plate and get your bat ready for what’s next.

Life Lesson: Who controls your life? You do. Stand tall, take control, and don’t let outside forces intimidate you.

Practice Teamwork – Getting to know your fellow team members, their habits, strengths, and weaknesses can serve to develop a solid core of trust and communication on the field. It’s the chemistry that makes good teams great.

Life Lesson: Take the time to get to know your teammates in life. Learn what they can do for you, but more importantly, what you can do for them, and how you can succeed together.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask / Don’t Stop Learning – Having trouble with your swing? Not sure where the weakness in the strike zone is?  The best ball players are those that are always trying to find out from others, what they cannot see themselves. What may seem impossible for you to spot may be immediately obvious to others.

Life Lesson: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, help, or some on-the-side coaching. More importantly, be coachable…

These are just a few of the valuable lessons learned from the game that I love which I have put to good use in my life…  I’m hopeful they may do the same for you and your loved ones!

Getting back to my opening thought with regard to friends asking - “When are we going to get back to normal???”  Well, today’s numbers are showing that the United States has the leading number of cases of corona virus in the world. Many states like Washington, Louisiana, and California are functioning under a ‘stay at home’ or ‘shelter in place’ order. Countries all over the world are working to flatten the curve that this pandemic is taking. Regardless of age, demographic, or underlying health issues, it seems the corona virus is capable of infecting all. Which leads many to ask the question: How did this happen, and where is God? In the face of suffering, many refute the claims of God, others blame Him for their pain, while few bless and worship Him. In our Wednesday morning Men’s Bible Study, we studied the life of Job a few months ago.  In Job, we see a man faced with great suffering—who lost everything. So, what does the book of Job teach us about the Corona virus?

We can find comfort in the midst of this pandemic the same way Job found comfort. His hope, allegiance, joy, identity and ultimate satisfaction was not found in his possessions, his family, or his health. They were found in the everlasting, blessed name of the Lord. We must remember throughout this pandemic that our hope is not found in our people, our health, or our things, but in the Lord. We should expect suffering as Christians, but can also trust scripture like when Peter states that; 

“After you have suffered a little while, [God] will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever.”  1 Peter 5:10-11

God is here, reigning sovereignly over all things—whether we are restored in this life from our suffering, or the next. We do not know His reasons, but we do know His plans cannot be thwarted.

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2.  

As for the question of when we will get back to normal? I recently read a post from a good friend who owns TJ’s Christian Book Store here in Cedar Falls.  She has been posting encouraging messages on a daily basis, and I very much appreciate them.  This post was shared with her by a good friend of hers and has found a special place in my heart as an answer to this question…  Thanks Joyce!!

I Pray We Don’t Go Back to Normal...

1. I pray that the next time a friend grabs me and pulls me in for a hug, I actually take the time to appreciate the gift of their embrace.

2. I pray that when school resumes and people are dropping kids off, they take the time to thank the staff for the amazing gift that they give to our community.

3. I pray that the next time I’m sitting in a crowded restaurant I take the time to look around at the smiling faces, loud voices and thank God for the gift of community.

4. I pray that the next time I’m standing in church listening to the voices of praise and worship that I take a moment to thank God for the gift of congregation.

5. I pray that the next time I see a person or situation that needs prayer, I hope I pray as passionately and fervently as I have these past few weeks.

6. I pray that when I am at the grocery store that I take a moment to thank God that He provides us with the necessities of life and the amazing people who work so hard to keep us supplied.

7. I pray that I never again take for granted the ability to hop in the car and visit a friend, go to the mall, go to a gathering, etc.

So, truth is, I don’t want things to return to the way they once were. I pray that we take the lessons and challenges of the past few weeks and create a new normal. My goal is to pray more, love harder, and truly appreciate the daily abundance of blessings that were so easily overlooked just a mere few weeks ago.   Have a blessed day!

As Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 says; “There is a time for everything … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” 

God wired us all with emotions and I am learning to allow them to accompany me on the road of life instead of pretending they don’t exist or really don’t matter… His Word provides the perspective I need. It helps pick me up. He gives me permission to feel, to be sad, yes, even to be anxious. His grace gives the strength I need to handle the hard emotions. The Bible tells us to give thanks in everything. I choose to thank God in the midst of all my emotions. (and there have been a lot of them!) There’s a power in praise that doesn’t eliminate sadness and anxiety, but it certainly does soothe and soften it.

As we approach this Easter Sunday in a way that we have never done before, let’s choose to thank God for the gift of His Son Jesus, bless His great name, trust His loving heart, and give Him praise today and every day as we move through this time together.

Remember...

Many persons may love you,

Many people may like you,

But there is only ONE who died for YOU❣️

Wishing you all a Blessed and Happy Easter!

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/