For Such A Time As This

As Palm Sunday approaches, in a time that feels so strange, I can't help but think of the similarities between our situation and the days experienced by Jesus and his followers almost 2000 years ago. Everything changed in a very short amount of time. At this point, Jesus was a rock star among men. He was sought after, clung to, listened to and heralded as the King of the Jews. His popularity was at an all-time high. People ran into the streets to greet Him and show honor and respect. He had come for such a time as this. Truly, His time had come... just not in the way His followers imagined.

In their mind, this was the time to strike; to change the world; to take back Jerusalem from Rome; to establish Jesus' Kingdom on earth; to celebrate a new day. Their minds could only imagine a worldly kingdom where the king sits on a throne, has a militant army and people bowing low to give honor to the King of Kings. They were born for such a time as this and they would be by His side in this kingdom they imagined. But, things didn't measure up to their expectations.

Similarly, today our plans have drastically changed. Without our consent.  We saw a future of vacations, March Madness, spring sports, graduation open houses,egg hunts and sweet little Easter outfits. Instead we have received family togetherness, p.j.s all day long, ways to survive without grocery items needed for a particular recipe, rationing toilet paper, and how to reach out and check on each other more regularly. Perhaps we were made for such a time as this.

I don't mean to compare our sacrifice of our normal brand of toilet paper to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. I only want to point out the blessing that come from sacrifice. All this time with your kids can be used to make memories they will never ever forget. Make sure those memories include getting out of your routine occasionally, laughing hysterically,  learning new things to cook or bake together, writing and illustrating a story about life at home during COVID-19, sharing your childhood memories. Let them see their parents dancing and working together and telling corny jokes. As a family, you get to decide how isolation looks in your house. I believe you were made for such a time as this.

It is no mistake that you are alive during this strange season of isolation. There are important lessons to be learned and taught. There are battles to be waged and won. There are joys to be shared and connections to be rekindled. There is great joy to be found as you huddle together with your family and look for ways that God is working and expressing His great love for you. Don't miss the opportunities. You truly were made for such a time as this!