Overwhelmed

How do I send my kids back to school? Will they be safe? Will they be uncomfortable? Do we make them wear a mask? Is that safe and healthy? Do I need to keep them home? Will they be allowed to play their favorite sport or be involved in their favorite activity? Will I get a break from all of this soon? I'm sure that as our school districts have begun to release their guidelines for the fall, many of you have felt a roller coaster of emotions. Whichever direction your mind takes you, it all feels so…overwhelming. There is so much information that seems so confusing. In times like these, it's easy to be caught up in all of these thoughts and become overcome by them. It is in times like these, as followers of Jesus, we have two opportunities. We have the opportunity to choose to embrace what we know. We know that Jesus is King. We know that He is on the throne. We know that the gates of Hell will not overcome. We know that Jesus provides peace that passes all understanding. We know that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who miraculously delivered Israel from many enemies, is the same God we worship and serve today. We can respond in our actions and thoughts in a manner that displays trust in Him, instead of being overwhelmed in our circumstances. Does that solve all of our problems? Nope. Not even close. However, it does provide us a foundation and a framework to view those decisions through. The second opportunity is for others around us who are not followers of Jesus to see how we respond. If we respond in panic, then we're pretty much just like everyone else. On the other hand, if we choose to embrace the peace of God in who He is, others might see that, ask questions, and as Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."