Snowbirds…

Greetings Hope Family & Friends,

Each day brings new challenges, triumphs, failures, puzzles, …  Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).”  This scripture takes on new meaning in the world of COVID-19.  But I’m also reminded of another verse from Esther 4:14 also.  “Perhaps you were made for such a time as this.”  God places within us gifts which we aren’t even aware to meet challenging times and events.  We have been equipped with strength, hope, abilities that may have never been called into use, but are available for use in challenging times.

Last night I spoke with Shela Blomker and she shared some of the challenges of their trip back to Iowa.  They plan to arrive this weekend.  As I was praying around 9 p.m. I became aware of a new challenge.  Our snowbirds like any other travelers will need to self-isolate for fourteen days.  Now some have family in the community who may be able to help them out.  But others don’t have that option.  As a church family we will need to reach out and be willing to help them.  Let them know if you would be able to shop for them and drop things at their door where they will be able to pick them up while still keeping a social distance of six feet.  Some may think self-isolation doesn’t apply here, but in all honesty it does if we are to stop the spread of COVID-19.  Every time they stop for food or fuel they are exposed to folks traveling from all over.  This is how social spread happens.  But with willingness to self-isolate and our being willing to reach out and assist them, we stop the spread of this horrible disease.  I can’t even begin to imagine the stress levels of traveling home.  I can imagine the relief and hope that comes from knowing we are willing to help them through this challenging time.

Lord, we rely on you for strength, courage, and guidance in these trying times.  We pray for the safety of those who must travel—our snowbirds, truckers, and the people who keep our needs supplied.  We pray, too, for our first responders, our health care workers, postal employees, and others who place their lives in harms way every day to keep us safe.  Lord, we are your servants.  Use us to reach out in love and in your name to help others.  You, O Lord, are our God.  We are your people.  Amen.

May the light of God shine upon you and give you peace!

Pastor Kris