This Was Not on My Vision Board

Written by: Barbie Armenta

Going into 2020, what I thought I had for sure, was a clear vision.

This would be the year for our 3rd annual The Brave Gathering! This would also be the year that we would go on tour. The plan was to take the Brave Gathering to churches around Texas.

Richard and I also had our book, The Right Combination, come out at the end of 2019, so we have been traveling and doing media. In my mind, prayers were being answered and I had this all figured out.

Well…scripture reminds us that we can make our plans, but it is the Lord that directs our steps. I mean, I hear you, but I finally felt prepared. I bought a huge calendar, where I can see the whole year at a glance, and I had it all mapped out. What am I supposed to do now?

None of this, “shelter in place,” and “social distancing” was on my vision board. For many of you, this has meant the loss of jobs and suddenly becoming a home school teacher. Luckily for my kids, they are older, and I am not trying to teach them math!

As all of this continues in April, you might be feeling fear and uncertainty. You could be mourning a loss, worried for a loved one that is sick, or questioning the cough that you woke up with this morning. It is not a sin to be afraid.

It’s a crazy thing to realize that the whole world is experiencing this, and in a weird way, it is a little comforting knowing that we are not alone. I heard a pastor describe that we are all in the same storm, but we are not all in the same boat. Each of us has a unique perspective. We need to all have a little grace. If the biggest challenge for you is wondering which restaurant to order from today, remember that your neighbor might be wondering how they are going to feed their family. As the doors to church buildings are closed, this is the time for us to Be the church. Love your neighbor.

God is doing a new thing. Busy had become the new fine. How busy we are has almost a badge of honor to wear. God has stripped it all back. I am not saying that God caused a pandemic, I have no idea, but I know He uses all things for our good.

I believe we all need to take an inventory of the things that we are no longer doing and ask ourselves if these things need to return. On the other hand, what are some things you are doing now that might need to stay a part of your life? Are you taking walks with your spouse or having a game night with the kids? What about the puzzles that are disappearing from the store shelves? My favorites are the family meals that are being had around the table and the prayers that are being prayed.

God is at work! I want to encourage you to look for where He is working and align yourself with Him. The media is saying that divorce will be on the rise, let’s look to God and how He is bringing families back together. We are stronger together.

God says to “be still and know that I am God.” Too many of us, myself included, stay busy “doing” and all He asks is for us to just “be.” It is always who we are becoming in the process.

Be still in His presence, meditate on His Word, and practice gratitude daily. We will all get through this together.