How have you been feeling? What has been occupying your mind and soul? After many weeks of “not normal,” sheltering in place and social distancing, it’s definitely time for a mental check, and if you don’t feel like life is normal, that is OK. You’re in good company.

I read an article stating that even though we may have slowed down our lives, the day-in and day-out practice of what we are doing that is so outside our usual realm (home schooling, working from home, not seeing family and friends, etc.) causes stress on our minds and mental health. Add in the concern you may be feeling about a world-wide pandemic, and it’s to be expected if you are operating “not normal.” 

Let’s face it: We are not put together right now. One friend called this time “messy,” and I think that is a fair description. But we’re blessed because Jesus embraces messy. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, he was constantly reaching out to those whose lives were anything but put together: tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, demon-possessed, liars, sinners. 

Even Jesus’ own 12 disciples were far from perfect or put together. My favorite disciple story is after seeing Jesus perform miracle after miracle, the disciples sat together arguing with each other over which of them were the greatest (Mark 9:33-37). 

Jesus embraces the messy … and the hurt, scared, confused and forsaken. It’s easy to feel lost right now, but Jesus is there to comfort and soothe your pain. He chooses you regardless of your emotional health or messy past. Jesus is standing there next to you with his arms outstretched. All you need to do is accept his love and feel the comfort of the savior who embraces the messy. 

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17