May 2020 - LPNI

Lutheran Parish Nurses International
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May 2020

LPNI Devotion - May 2020
Milestones, Pandemic and Thankfulness
When I was asked to write the devotion for May, I thought, ‘Yes, I’ll do this.  It will be good because I’ll be 80 in May and our 60th wedding anniversary is in July. I could write about those two special occasions, for which I’m very thankful!’ Well ... as I write now, we here in the United States are under a state-mandated quarantine – as are people in many parts of the world – to avoid getting and/or spreading the deadly pandemic virus, COVID-19.
I’ve taken this time to clean out closets, straighten drawers, and have telephoned folk who’re home alone and sick members in our church ... and then wondered what am I thankful for? The 23rd Psalm came to my mind as I tried to think of appropriate verses to accompany my thoughts for this devotion. The whole chapter is beautiful and warms my heart and soul. But I want to pick out several phrases that are helping me right now.
The Lord is my shepherd.  He’s watching closely and keeping me near him. We know that he has us as his flock.
He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. By staying home with my husband of nearly 60 years, God has calmed us and given us the opportunity to be more loving and patient with each other.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. The
COVID-19 is running rampant in our county and two close friends are suffering with this unseen beast now. I know that it is deadly and dangerous, but I am not afraid. God will lead me where it is safe for me to care for others and my family. I feel fully protected by his love.
My cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. I have a world of things for which I can be very thankful.  See how the Scriptures can give us strength through this deadly virus and the consequent quarantine in our homes! We can still share his great love through both older and newer technological instruments, while being safe, staying well, and keeping strong for his sake.
My 80th birthday, our 60th wedding anniversary and COVID-19 will come and go, but God will be where he has always been and will be forever. He is in our lives, hearts, and souls, and we remain his loving flock, later to be with this Good Shepherd and surrounded by his love forever.
For all of this I am truly thankful!
Lana B. Wingate, MSN, RN, PN
Parish Nurse, King of Glory Lutheran Church
Williamsburg, VA 23188 USA
 
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