It was a morning like many other mornings except this one was the most different from any other morning yet experienced in my life.

Pulling into the parking lot, I prepared to enter. Putting disposable rubber gloves on, I pulled clorox wipes from the dispenser to wipe down my shopping cart.

With my shopping list in hand for four families, I began to go up and down the aisles. The shelves were mostly empty and here I had thought, I had waited long enough for the stores to restock. The aisles became a sad commentary of the time we now find ourselves as a virus has forever changed the face of our days.

Even as the empty shelves speak of the fear and greed found in man, I began to discover something else among my fellow shoppers – a concern for the safety of others, and a desire to help one another.

Food shopping had become common ground, the place where we were all even. The supermarket was the place where we were all on level ground.

There were no differences – all ages, all races, political parties were unmentioned. We were all there to buy basic daily needs of milk, eggs, cheese, bread, and meat.

The ride home was spent deep in thought.  In these days of constant hand washing, it is recommended to wash with soap and water for twenty seconds. Saying the Lord’s Prayer provides the twenty seconds needed to rid hands of bacteria, while doing the more important work of praying.

“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.”

God is our Father, who calls us Himself to an intimate and loving relationship. His reign and purposes will be achieved in this world for our good and His glory.

“Give us this day our daily bread.“

We so like to have our cupboards, pantries, and freezers full. We must trust Him for our daily needs as it all comes from His hands. And may we notice that He provides for our needs and not our greed.

“And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.“

May we never lose sight of the forgiveness we have been given and offer the same to those who have hurt and wounded us.

“And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
(Matthew 6:9-13, NKJV)

In these trying days, we need not fall into the temptation to be angry or resentful of the circumstances surrounding us. God will deliver us from the strategies of the enemy of our souls.

It is days like we are living which bring the powerful reminder
of the sovereignty and power of God –
“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

And just like that 20 seconds has passed!