Susan sewing masks for family, friends, and a nurse.

By Susan Shanklin

How are you doing? That’s usually the first thing people seem to say to you via a text, email, or phone call, right? 

No handshakes, hugs, or kisses. Standing six feet away. Sometimes wearing a facemask. Shopping online or sending packages to grandchildren.

So I ask you, How are you doing? Oh, you are asking me, how am I doing? Why, thanks for asking! I’m doing OK. I wish I was doing better. I’m lonely for my kids and grandkids. 

Family is important, and Instagram and Facetime are great, but touch is important. 

We have had two opportunities to SEE our two daughters and their families six feet apart, and all were wearing masks. Folks, that’s hard. The younger grandchildren are a little unsure of grandma at first, so you have to act a little silly, so they know that’s really you behind that mask. 

I made a rhubarb birthday pie for one pair, and cupcakes with pink frosting for the others. This is how I show my love. This is grandma’s touch. My heart aches.

I send packages to my grandkids from Amazon or from home with candies or puzzles. Stickers or scratch off masks. I send notes and cards. Today I picked up some balloons to slip in with my notes.

I thought all this would be over by now. I thought we would be out preaching again. I thought I would be in church by now. I thought I would see my swimming pals again. 

I went to Walmart today to look for some vegetable plants and pick up milk and eggs. After finding no plants, but spending $136 in the self checkout line, I had very little human interaction. Everyone pausing or waiting like each other has “IT.”

So how am I doing, you ask? Well, I wish I was doing better. 

I read my Bible. I pray. I pray with Tom. I send encouraging notes to friends. I listen to the Peace and Healing CD, and I seem to fall short of the victory line. 

Yesterday, I was visualizing myself strapping my feet on the Rock. That’s the hope, and that will be the victory.

 I keep myself busy gardening, cooking, and eating! Now that’s got to slow down folks, the eating!

You too? I read how this is comfort for these times, but I think I must find my comfort from the Lord, or I won’t fit through the church doors!

I can go down the road of despair and defeatism, or I can point my feet outwardly towards the Cross. 

The Cross changed my life 43 years ago. I mean I was on the fast track to hell, but the blood-stained boards bought back my life. Jesus said, “Susan, you are worth saving.”

Today, Jesus is saying, “You are worth saving.” 

We are worth saving from this moment of vile and abominable attack from the bowels of hell.

Yes, we were saved from all sins when we repented and accepted Jesus, but we need to be saved from the darts of the wicked one. We need that saving grace daily, drinking it in, for we feel so parched and dry. 

I might stagger. I might trip and lose my balance, but I am stronger than you think, devil. I got the blood of Jesus covering me, and He is in control. Jesus is the author and finisher, and He is going to finish you off, devil, because He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the END.

So, I choose to lift up my hands that hang down. I choose to open my mouth and confess Jesus is Lord of my life. I choose to turn my feet towards the Cross and take as many as I can with me. 

Let us join together in the Spirit to water our gardens and the pastures of the earth. Let the water of the Word flood the land and bring forth fruit. Good fruit!

I choose to bring forth good fruit in season.

So how am I doing? Much better, thank you!