A Norvell Note for January 3, 2022
Vol. 26 No. 01
Here We Go Again
I wrote this at the end of 2020.
“Here’s the plan. When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2020 (that’s tonight), everything that has been wrong with this year will be made right.”
So much for being able to predict the future.
Here we go again. The year ended with as much confusion and chaos as it began. The new year starts with more of the same. So, how will we do it again?
Be as calm as possible. We are stressed and anxious and often afraid. It would be easy to panic. It would be easy to lose our composure. Be as calm as possible and help other people to remain calm. “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” (Proverbs 29: 11)
Be as patient as possible. We hear that a lot, don’t we? Being patient is not easy for any of us under the best circumstances. Being patient as we move into the second year of a pandemic seems unreasonable. We’re tired of the restrictions. We’re tired of people being sick and dying. We’re tired of masks, vaccinations, and waiting in line. But we’re not through it, so let’s be as patient as possible. Be patient with others and with ourselves. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)
Be as kind as possible. Be kind to your medical caregivers. Be kind to those who serve you. They are stressed, over-worked, under-appreciated, under-staffed. They need your appreciation. They need your understanding, and they need your kindness. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. You are probably feeling stressed, maybe feeling over-worked, under-appreciated, and maybe doing the work of two or three people. Be kind to yourself and others. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Be as gentle as possible. We all need a little gentleness. Be gentle with yourself, your spouse, your children, parents, friends, and your team. I am reminded of these words, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5) .“The Lord is near. Let your gentleness be evident to all.”
Two years ago, we had no idea that we would still be experiencing the disruption to what we once called normal, but here we are. The longer this goes on, the more likely we will get frustrated, angry, confused, and on the verge of losing it and exploding at someone. When it happens, try to calm yourself, be as patient as possible, be kind and gentle with others and yourself.
God is still with us. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2022 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved
You may read past articles at A Norvell Note.