There’s a new song called “Smile” by a band named Sidewalk Prophets. The chorus says this:
There’s always a reason
To always choose joy
There’s something deeper
That the world can’t destroy
Smile, when you think you can’t
Smile, get up and dance
Smile, there’s a bigger plan
The storm only lasts for a while
So smile
What a fitting and great reminder during this unknown new reality we are living in. I love the song and I’m a naturally optimistic and happy person, but I won’t pretend that this whole COVID-19 experience has been cupcakes and rainbows. The sad and deep reality is people are sick and dying. Medical personnel are risking their lives for others. Teachers are scrambling to retain education for the kids they care so much about. Parents are now scrambling to fill all the needs of their children every minute of the day. Elderly are facing a whole new level of loneliness. Some individuals are even facing unemployment. The list goes on and on…
However, in spite of all the heartache and unknown in our world right now, there is also a ton of good happening. Families are sitting down to dinner together. Our communities are coming together to support nursing staff as well as local restaurants and businesses. Parents are showing gratitude in teachers they have previously taken for granted. Kids are getting to be kids and enjoy days of playing and just being home. Everyone is having to be more creative to be social (sending cards, dance parties online together, window visits, etc.) What I see ….the world pausing to take in things that are truly important.
I don’t take any of this lightly, nor do I think there aren’t troubles and unknown and fears that people have. But what I do know, is that I believe in a big God and spent an entire year teaching kids about God’s sovereignty. Little did I know I was going to be tested greatly in how much I trust in exactly what I taught. Sovereign is a character trait of God that I love clinging to because it reminds me that no matter how much control I think I have, I actually have none. God is completely in control over every single thing in my life and in this world. He knows exactly what is happening right now and what the outcomes will be. He knows the struggles and the fears and the things that we don’t yet know. I trust His plan in this. If I trust Him in the good times, I must also trust Him in the storms. He gives us a joy so deep that the world cannot destroy it and believers all over the world are claiming this and using this as a chance to share that joy with others. The storm only lasts for a while, so smile. Even when it’s hard and there’s unknown. Smile and trust in the God that made you and trust that He has a plan and a purpose in all of this for each one of us.
Stay healthy my friends and never stop leaning on the everlasting arms.