Ecclesiastes 3:11 niv
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Okay! Wait a minute! I know you are probably running out to wrangle in the jungle of bargain shoppers on this black Friday. I just want you to go with some information you many not have thought about in a while. While yesterday we focused on the tragedies we have survived since 1900 that have made us stronger, today I want to focus on our achievements! And, we accomplished these things during the hard times we spoke of yesterday!
So, since 1900 there was the first air flight in 1903. First vehicle, a Model T Ford was in 1908. The first nuclear reactor was in 1942. The Panama Canal was 1914. The first cell phone was 1973, and the first internet connection was 1985. And of course, we have had men on the moon!
Along with those very amazing inventions there were many health and medical discoveries. Over the same amount of time there have been vaccines for deadly diseases discovered. Motor vehicles continue to get safer, along with safer work places. We have found ways to control infectious diseases, and ways to eliminate pain during surgery. We have a safer environment for Mom’s and babies as well as a decline in death from heart disease and stroke. We have also come to the recognition that tobacco products are bad for your health.
These discoveries have been most prolific over the last 100-150 years ago. While I don’t know why that is, I do know where the information came from! Remember George Washington Carver? He was a botanist and could not figure out why God made peanuts. George asked God and he was flooded with over 100 ways to use the lowly peanut! He was gifted in many agricultural practices and gives God the credit for informing George about them.
So, back to black Friday, shopping, bargains and leftovers. I for one am thankful for all these wonderful inventions that make my life so much easier. During the early days of the USA the Constitution was written out by hand. It was later set on type on a press, but even that was labor intensive. What the Lord is impressing on me today is the fact that our lives have become so much easier with these inventions. I used to have to wash and dry all my dishes by hand. Now a machine does it. I used to have to wring out the clothes in the wringer washer. Now…well, you get the picture.
So, now that we have all this ‘extra’ time, what do we do? It appears that we are headed for a restricted time again with the spiking of the virus. Here are some ways you can ease the isolation for someone else.
Someone just gave me this idea. If you live near a nursing facility, or assisted living, call them to see if they would accept cards given to their residents. If yes, find out how many there are and send them a note or card. You can do this with a group of friends, or yourself. When they are done, drive them to the facility and they will distribute them.
Make phone calls. So easy, so critical to someone in isolation! I make lists of people I know cannot get out much. When I am sitting waiting at a Dr. appointment, or any other appointment, I make a quick call. Even leaving a message can be the bright spot of someone’s day.
I have a friend just diagnosed with covid. I try to encourage her with prayer, and an offer to run for something she needs as she is quarantined. If you are going out shopping today please don’t forget those who can’t! Offer to get them what they might need. Also, when you see a bargain, buy it. The Lord will show you what to do with it!
It seems as though we never have time, but we just need to know how to prioritize our time. With so much in our communities shut down, we do have the extra time to do some special things for others. You will feel so much better yourself!
So, enjoy your shopping and let me know if you tried my ideas, or used one of your own!
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