Daily Devotion

by Jackie Cutshall

In the church where I grew up there was a beautiful stained glass chancel window of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane while his apostles slept nearby. The Bible verse under the window was “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”.  Philippians 4:11 KJV.  When I was quite young I thought that meant I should be happy to live in Ohio. Of course, Paul was not referring to that kind of state. A more recent translation says “For I have learned to be content with whatever I have.”  The apostle Paul wrote those words from prison when he was grateful for gifts people gave to help him survive his imprisonment. 

This past year has seen us all dealing with a kind of imprisonment from this pandemic.  Our regular groups are either cancelled or on Zoom and we are eating most of our meals at home and maybe alone.  Regular visits from or to family and friends are not happening and road trips are rare.  Many of us have missed going to concerts and sports events, cancelled vacations and stayed away from large gatherings.  So many of our community have died leaving their families in sorrow.  Our church buildings are closed and worship has gone on-line.  

What have been the blessings of this changed life? Were you one of the gardeners who outdid themselves this year growing flowers and vegetables?  Did you discover a new table game to play with your family?  How many books did you read?  Have you tried new recipes?  Were you one who took up bread making?  What did you find that surprised you when you finally cleaned the garage, basement or attic?  Have you rediscovered hiking or biking?  Did you reconnect with someone you hadn’t talked to for a while?  

It’s been almost a year and we have survived.  “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  I Thessalonians 5:18

2 comments on article "Daily Devotion"

Katy Ping

What a lovely reminder of all our blessings.

4/6/2021 10:55 AM

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Danelle Marie Buelsing

Jackie, those blessings have made such a difference in our quality of life during the pandemic. Thanks for reminding us to look for them and to be thankful for them.

4/7/2021 11:48 PM

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