It’s an odd time to sell a house. It’s an odd time to move. It’s an odd time.
Boxes scatter the floor and emptiness echoes off the walls of the only house we’ve ever owned. Outside a For Sale sign hangs. The Sold sign never got put up because these days only what must be done merits doing.
A mounting pile of discarded possessions bleed over onto the floor while another fills with stuff I should pitch but can’t quite yet.
We toss items into a throw away box, like needle pricks, “this will only hurt for a second.”
My husband and I fold down the cardboard flaps, screech packing tape across the top and move the box a few blocks down the street where we are renting in a stop-gap move which seemed a good idea once.
“We are neither here nor there.” I say hefting a box filled with grand kid’s toys.
I feel uprooted and a little lost.
But then, in the fog of Covid-19, it’s the kind of ghost-feeling gliding through many of us.
Like a house whose home moved out.
Surreal.
Unsettled.
And I wonder if anything will ever be the same again?
Perhaps one of the most important lessons of our coronavirus world is this question of what is worth saving and what needs to go. Unsettledness sifts us, reorders our lives and cleans our closets.
It makes us aware of subtle gods we’ve allowed to rule our lives, and reveals our founts of value. It asks the question is church a building or a body? It bids us consider what meets my needs and how do I help others? It invites repentance and personal revival. It begs us to discard peripherals and keep essentials.
When uncertainty runs rampant and unchecked, what is sure? What doesn’t change or morph? What is rock solid?
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever. Heb. 13:8. (ESV)
Our celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection will look differently this year. Easter won’t be observed under the light of stained glass or in a hushed auditorium. Can we let our dark and foreboding disquiet carry us to long ago when the Messiah’s body lay in a damp grave? Can we empathize with perplexed and frightened disciples, feel their anxious thoughts about what to do and if life could go forward? Did they wonder like some might today if tomorrow will come? Will Scriptures reveal the Easter account relevant and fresh?
No crisis can lessen the magnitude of Jesus. No darkness can obliterate the Son of God. He rose from the tomb and shines gloriously alive.
Yesterday.
Today.
Forever.
Crises give impetus to get rid of the unimportant and cling to what counts. This is my packing lesson, my sifting and re-ordering.
These long social-distancing-stay-at-home hour-after-hour days may be our best. This may be time His Word takes root and speaks to our souls.
Alone but together we join at the foot of the cross.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today…
Beth Menezes
Again you have so well put into words what is going through so many of our hearts. Thank you!!!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Beth. I appreciate that.
Spring Becker
So beautiful! Yes. What is unchanging? Christ. Thank you for expressing in words what we feel inside, and the shining the hope that we have. Nothing can tamp out Christ.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Spring. I hope you are doing well. Thinking of your extended family too. May the unchanging Christ bless you in these days.
RJ Thesman
Lovely post, Sylvia. May God hold you close as you make those delicate decisions.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you RJ. May Jesus be near as you look to Him these days. As always, I appreciate your comments so very much.
J.D. Wininger
I cannot express how much I appreciated and enjoyed this call to examine our lives at this time ma’am. Thank you so much; and God’s blessings. We must, indeed, examine our lives and remove all that is base. We must cling to that hope, which will lead us into God’s glory. So needed. Thank you again!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you J.D. It is a sobering time, isn’t it? But these days do point to glorious truth, and I want to cling to that in spite of being the worry wart that I tend to be! Grateful for your comment!
Janet Certalaic
Dear friend,
Thanks for the gentle reminders of where are hope is found.It’s great to be able to relate a little to the Disciples whose whole life seemed upended.But then Christ…..
burst into the locked doors and changed their projectory.They could go forward with solid evidence that HE IS ALIVE.I believe because they weren’t thwarted by a lack of faith.They had solid evidence. We do too,if their lives were an example. May our lives during troubled times also be an example to those around us that we won’t lose faith.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Janet. I needed that reminder. I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. You are indeed a precious friend.
Mary Huf
Thank you Sylvia for saying in a brief few words what we all need to be reminded of. In a world where everything changes quickly, (think of how much we have all changed in the past few weeks) we can rely on this one, true unchangeable truth: Jesus Christ is the same…yesterday…today…and tomorrow!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Mary. The changes are unbelievable. So grateful to know the steady reliability of Jesus. Thank you for your comments.
Marilyn Krehbiel
So well said, as usual!! Yes, these circumstances reveal much about my faith, what’s truly important. May we all deeper our walk with our LORD JESUS CHRIST who is the same yesterday, today and forever! Praise be to HIS NAME!!! Praying as you pack.
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you Marilyn. I appreciate your comment, may we deepen our walk with the Lord! And yes, definitely your prayers.
Eva F. Olfert
Sylvia, I have so much to say and this small space cannot hold it. Just to say though that with wonderful and sage advice I moved to Turlock, CA and am living in in Covenant Living, a wondeful place for me at this time. The only better place is Heaven and God has me here for the time being. Carl & Jennifer live less than one mile from my lovely residence. I have 6 great grandchildren here, the cutest little people on the glove. God has been and continues to be so profoundly good to me – I don’t deserve it but I do enjoy it and thank Him for His providential care. I know all about boxes! I did not need to bring a whole lot, it was all provided for me. God bless and keep you as you move in a most challenging time. I will pray for you. Eva
Sylvia Schroeder
Thank you so much for your comment Aunt Eva! It is so good to hear from you. I am glad you are near your family. It must be a delight to see your great grandchildren. I am truly grateful to hear how the Lord has cared for you. It is an encouraging testimony for me. Thank you for your prayers.