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Vision

Wanda Smith's column from this week's issue of The Moose Jaw Express
OnTheFrontPorch_WandaSmith
On the Front Porch by Wanda Smith

It is hard to believe we’ve been in this lockdown for over two months. 

What started as two weeks has gone much longer than was initially stated. The days slip into each other and we find ourselves wondering what day it really is... it feels we skipped right from March into May and missed April altogether! 

Without any outside responsibilities aside from work (if you have work), it has been difficult to keep track of time. I am thankful spring has sprung so that we can spend time outdoors: the farmers are seeding, the ranchers are calving, the road crews are working, and we are preparing our gardens and yards for the summer months. I am truly thankful we have more opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during this awful situation. We were never made to be holed up in our homes without the ability to join others in fellowship over food, celebrating and playing sports, joining in communion with people of faith or educating students in large groups.

There are many dangers that come out of a lockdown such as we are experiencing that can be seen as increased mental health issues, suicides, increase in domestic violence, outbursts of wrath, criminal activity and so on. Even for those who have led a fairly quiet and peaceable life, many are struggling with depression, anxiety, frustration, and angst.

As I observe this, I see one way (among several ways) we can help to manage these debilitating emotional lash outs. The Word of God says “without a vision people perish.” We need to look for a positive perspective. I see this playing out in all our lives, presently. I see that there is a temptation to live with a lack of motivation, apathy, procrastination, laziness or an attitude of not caring. But, if we can shift our perspective... and gain a heavenly perspective, we will be able to wake up, get up and show up in life!  “Arise, Shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.”

Dear readers, let’s ask God for fresh vision!

You may ask... vision for what? To that I say, we need to ask for vision for our days ahead. First of all, for each day... and then for the season we are in... and then for the future. I have started a to-do list for our home, tackling one project at a time. The list has become quite long and somewhat overwhelming but if I attempt one job at a time, it doesn’t take long to see some improvement. 

Paint goes a long way to make something look better. Change your furniture placement. Purge your closets or drawers. Clean out your garage. Think of others around you in your neighborhood that may need their lawn raked or their bushes trimmed. Offer to help in a way that is simple for you. Make some phone calls. A distant friend contacted me through text message this morning and it was just nice to connect and update each other on our families and lives. Start writing that book you’ve thought about many times. Organize your photos and document them. What do you have in your hand to do?

Whatever it is may seem small and insignificant but you will begin to see those small changes cultivate a desire to keep moving forward. It brings a synergy and you’ll find yourself building on what you have begun. Take one step forward. Find a new, fresh vision for your house, your yard, your heart, and your family. 

See God take the little and multiply it!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication. 

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