A Sea of Calm in the Midst of the Storm

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Oh dear friends, there are many hilarious things I need to share as you read these words.  Perhaps you can simply create a mental picture.  I wrote these words on my back patio while reflecting over my dirty teeth.  The backdrop of today's world views teeth cleaning, by a hygienist, as no longer a necessity.  This means I am flossing...just a lot.  One day in the near future, my dentist will be so proud.  I tackled these words with really messy hair.  The wiry grey hair framing my face just doesn't want to cooperate.  This means I am using more hairspray..a lot.  My nails have become an unusual art experiment where anything goes and no two colors-shapes-lengths need to match.  This means I am using something I haven't needed in quite a while.  It's called an "emery board."  It actually works well!  I know you are saying to yourself, "Wow...I should Face Time or "Zoom Call" Momma Vaughan.  Ummm....let's just save that for another time!

The truth is I have learned, over the past several days, none of these things matter.  As a former minister once said, "We have many first-world problems!"  Much like so many of you, the past two weeks have gently reminded me of what we need to define as important in our lives.  There are many truths I have come to know.

1. People matter.  I don't ever want to miss the opportunity, again, to connect with someone face to face.  In the past, how many times have I failed to be a good listener or a gentle comforter in the presence of others?  Precious Lord, thank you for the people in my life.  I can't wait to be...like...1 foot away from them!
2. Love wins.  This time in society provides all of us with the blessed opportunity to love one another in so many ways.  The happiest parts of my day have been spent listening to my Papaw tell hilarious jokes about toilet paper, delivering a snack to my Nanny and finding ways to maintain social distance from my parents in a Braum's parking lot.  People, it can be done.  Stay in your cars.  Roll the windows down.  Eat your ice cream together while talking and laughing 6 feet away from each other.
3. Gratitude inspires.  On a recent long walk with my exercise buddy, I said these words, "Here's the good news."  A cyclist, heading the other way, yelled out, "There's always good news!"  May we all take time, each day, to give thanks.  Our grateful hearts inspire others.  There is hope in the valley.

In the book of Acts, Chapter 27, Luke tells the story of Paul and some of his favorite prisoner friends sailing towards Rome.  It is less than a pleasant voyage.  Verse 15 states, "The ship was caught by the storms and could not head into the wind; so, we gave way to it and were driven along."  Friends, you and me feel "driven along" today by circumstances over which we have no control.  With dirty teeth, messy hair and artsy nails, I continue to struggle against a fierce wind.  Yet, I will anchor my hope and faith on the beautiful promise that a "sea of calm" exists amidst every storm.  The people around us matter.  Love always wins, and our gratitude can inspire others. May these beautiful realities bring all of us peace.  Amen.