Water from the brook rushed past as my granddaughter threw sparkly granite laced rocks into the water. All the snow had finally melted and the sun shone brilliantly against the blue skies. Spring time never felt so good!

The loud, bubbling brook reminds me of how God’s gifts work. We are to take the gifts He gives, like love and grace, and pass it on to our neighbors. We are wise when we choose to use our gifts like a brook or a river; flowing on to the next person and the next and the next. It’s not wise to dam up our hearts and minds; hoarding and keeping the gifts to ourselves because of greed, fear, or selfishness. Jesus knew we cannot enjoy the life and love He offers when we’re obsessed with getting and with clinging to what we get. We shut down the flow of His life through us when we clutch... in order to consume... (The Esther Blessing Kindle version page 91)

During this season of a viral pandemic, my hope is that people will continue making choices that mimic a river; not a dam. It’s our responsibility to abide by the recommended safety guidelines, but the current guidelines are also giving us new and creative ways to help one another during a deadly global issue.

Father, I’m astounded by the resilience you’ve placed in human beings. I’m humbled by the acts of kindness and grace and love being shown from one neighbor to another. May Your Church be Jesus with skin on; especially during this season. May the comfort and love You give us on a daily basis be dispensed freely and without hesitation to others. Amen.

Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it... 1 Peter 4:7-10a MSG