SEEK AND YOU WILL FIND

By Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Dea- con, and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near her son, daughterin-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”.

Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com

My cell phone buzzed with another alert. The television caught my attention with the loud beeping sound reminding me to pay attention. Important news was broadcasting on all stations. Listen for the latest directions from authorities. Be prepared. A new decla- ration has been given.

The coronavirus is here, there and every- where. For weeks, the radio, television, social media, neighborhood chat rooms online, family and friend conversations have all been filled with talk about the horrific sights and sounds of the virus. Tears are shed every second. The news is more devastating each time I wake up and search for more informa- tion.

Many people are having moments, hours, days and weeks of anxiety and fear of the unknown.

I am thankful to find comfort and peace with God and His Word. Prayer is a big part of my daily routine. Before my feet touch the floor each morning, I pray. During the day, I pray. At night, I pray. That is one of the ways I find comfort and peace.

About a week ago, all I was seeing on every social media platform and every television station was doom and despair. Listening to people express their sadness and loneliness, I prayed.

“God, there has to be something more. What can be done to remind us of Your love and joy?” A nudge from God should never be pushed aside. I am thankful the nudge I felt that day allowed me to take action. A simple com- ment on social media became a place of refuge and joyful sharing. I asked, “In all the worry, did you find something that brought joy today? Let us know.”

A short question. I wondered if anyone would read and answer.

Yes, the answers started pouring in. People began sharing ways they found joy and now, a week later, the comments are still coming. We need a way to remind ourselves that in the midst of this trial, we can find joy. If we seek joy, we will find joy.

Look at these blessed ways people are finding joy. Writing stories, making banana bread, sitting on the front porch listening to birds singing, chatting on the phone with a friend, writing a letter to a nursing home, volunteering at a food bank, noticing new blossoms on a tree, listening to worship music, hearing the laughter of children and grandchildren, reading a good book or two or three, the warmth of sunshine and so many more beautiful blessings of joy. Don’t let worry consume your thoughts. God provides plenty of ways to find joy.

Seek and you will find joy.

Amen. Blessings, Melissa Henderson