Stuck In the House...Again!

After a year of escaping COVID—and being as careful as I thought I could be—a couple of weeks ago I came down with the illness. That being the case, I’ve had to stay put in the house. Not that I’ve wanted to go anywhere since I’ve been pretty sick (I won’t get into the details!). Of course, Kim has had to quarantine with me as well. In fact, she also tested positive. So, we’ve been stuck in quarantine mode. 

For me it’s been a bit discouraging in that I’ve still been healing from my back surgery. After almost a month of being home, I was really glad to be going to physical therapy, out for short walks, and preaching again at church. I felt like I was beginning to reengage in life. Then suddenly, it all came to a grinding halt. After weeks of being stuck in the house with a bad back, now I’ve had to spend another two weeks in the house recuperating from COVID.  Yes, I’m stuck in the house again! 

I am sure, none of us likes being stuck in the house…or, stuck anywhere for that matter!  We like to be free to go where we want to go and do what we want to do. We all want to engage in life as much as possible. But sometimes life sets us down and puts us in a place wherein we are forced to stay still. 

So, what do we do when we find ourselves stuck in the house (or wherever it may be)? Let me give just a few suggestions: (1) Allow yourself to rest; (2) Fill yourself with good things—healthy food, worship music, a good book and most of all, God’s Word; (3) Be careful of discouragement. If you’re not, it’s easy for discouragement to set in—I know that from experience! (4) Stay connected to friends and family; (5) Talk to God, a lot! After all, he has promised to always be with us and to hear our prayers at all times. 

As I look back over these past few months and all that I’ve been through, I relate well to the words of the psalmist that I read earlier today: “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2 – NIV) I might be stuck in the house again, but I know the Lord is as near as ever. I know he has been with me and hears my prayers. I know he will do the same for you. 

Have a great day. 

Pastor Tim Harris