Washing my hands for 30 seconds feels like forever.....

A few weeks ago, we saw many news reports about how to wash our hands in a way that would actually get rid of bacteria. Most of us had to admit, we had been rushing the process and unknowingly, remained vulnerable to germs. We thought we were doing something good, but it wasn’t the protection we needed because we rushed it.

As the invisible threat of the novel corona-virus became more alarming, we began to listen to the wisdom of those who know more about bacteria than we do. We began to sing our ABC’s, or some other catchy song to help us linger a little longer with the soap and water so it would actually clean and protect us. Many of us realized this was a little harder than we wanted to admit.

We prefer a quick remedy and have a hard time embracing a slower pace in many areas of life, not just washing hands. We rush meals, conversations, deadlines, news stories, buying things, kids, relationships….and so much more. We move so fast.

We can also rush our time of being still with God to hear from him, often relying on a quick prayer to protect our minds for the day or make us feel secure that we did what we needed. Is that giving you all you need right now?

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;” Psalm 37:7

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4

Water in scripture is symbolic of life.

The water of God’s Word will help purify our panic or anxious thoughts, nourish our loneliness as we feel isolated, or comfort our broken heart. Let’s slow down and linger a little longer in God’s words of truth that were written to sustain us and protect our heart and mind.

"Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5

“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

We have been sharing tips for thriving while we work from home, clean, home-school, and stay connected with loved ones from a distance.

What can you share with your friend, neighbor, co-worker or loved one

from the Living Water of God’s truth

that is renewing your mind and heart,

washing you in His peace,

building your trust in His mercy

and strengthening you to live this day with Hope?

May the song you sing while

washing your hands be...

"Jesus loves me this I know For the Bible tells me so Little ones to Him belong They are weak but He is strong

Yes, Jesus loves me"

Blessings, Mary Beth, March 27, 2020