Downtime

by Macy Johnson

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

(Psalm 37:7 NIV)

 

Many years ago I created a reading list. Books I have read and those I want to read are neatly arranged in a spreadsheet with one column indicating the order in which I would like to read them.

 

As I near the end of the current selection I’m reading, I go to my library’s website and put the next book on “hold.” I waited several weeks for a particular book and resorted to reading another one on Kindle as a hold-over. The day came when I got the email saying my book had finally arrived and I hurried to the library. Its doors were locked, shut tight. “Closed due to Coronavirus” read the sign on the front door.

 

Change in plans. I prefer reading a book I can hold in my hands, not an e-book. So, I perused the bookshelf in my office and pulled down an oversized hardback purchased at a library sale over ten years ago. I opened “Stranger in Savannah” by Eugenia Price and started reading. Familiar people and places jumped off the page.

 

We have all experienced roadblocks and detours during the COVID-19 downtime. I was forced to become an “on hold” church pianist for 4 months, but that didn’t stop me from practicing the piano regularly at home. Playing Bridge with my friends could sadly be postponed indefinitely because of the close proximity of seats at a card table.

 

In my daily journal I record and thank God for many amazing things He has taught me during this downtime, this slow time, this stand still. What “good from bad” surprises can you thank Him for? What positive changes are slowly taking hold in your heart?

 

I will step boldly and confidently into new days ahead. I hope you will, too!