Last weekend I had just finished organizing my suitcase for a trip my hubby and I were going to be taking to see our daughter, son-in-law and four GRANDS in Florida. We were so excited and had been looking forward to this trip for some time. And then the news came that DisneyWorld was closing. "WHAT...well, we will come up with Plan B we said to each other being optimistic. Perhaps we could still go now and have "quality time" together and then fly back out in the Summer for four days to do our Disney trip. Within about thirty hours we realized that was not going to be possible, and we would need to cancel our trip for now. The memory making and hugs and hanging out together as a family would have to wait a few months. To say I was disappointed was an understatement, however I am so thankful for modern technology that affords us the capability to Facetime and video chat. Amidst my disappointment, I was shocked at all of the people buying lots of toilet paper, sanitizer and food in the midst of the Coronavirus. As I looked around it seemed there was fear and panic starting to set in. The feeling of things being unsettled because routines are out of the normal pattern can cause some of us to feel a little bit anxious. I want to encourage you during this season five ways to SHINE God's Light to an anxious and needy world. 1. PRAY~ for our President, all leadership involved- for Godly wisdom, strength and endurance each day. For Health care workers on the front lines- for peace, compassion and protection. For our world as a whole- that Christians would be LOVE in action to a hurting world during this time. 2. Check on your elderly, and your neighbors. In this season especially stop in and check on the elderly in your neighborhood and see if there is anything they need. Make those trips to the store for them to ensure they have what they need. Give them words of hope and encouragement by making them a card or cheering up their day with some flowers from your garden or a home cooked meal. 3. Be Kind when you are out and about. When fear sets in, kindness goes a long way. I want to encourage you to be the change. If someone needs the last item on the shelf, let them have it with a smile. I promise you there will be more. 4. If someone you know is in need, help them whether it be food, clothes,etc.. Give what you can and let's all pull together. 5. This time that we have been given is a gift. Maybe you are home from work...is there something you have been wanting to do with your time but haven't been able too (read, sew, garden, organize) now is the time. What will you do with this time you have been given? In Isaiah 41:10 it says "Fear not, for I am with you: Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. I love how this verse starts out. It is a complete invitation for you and I to put our trust in God in every season.