I hate it when people tell me, “I told you so.” I remember as a kid I would get hopping mad when this phrase would come out. I don’t think I fully understood why this phrase would make me so angry back then. Now as an adult I understand some of the emotions behind this phrase.

You warn your child not to touch a hot iron, and of course they do. Out comes the phrase, “I told you so” as you are running a little hand under cold water, assessing if your day will include a run to the doctor. Fear of harm for your child, anger that you were not listened to, disappointment that the bad thing happened as you predicted, and well, pride that you were right.

I hated this phrase so much as a child that I made a conscious effort not to say this with my children and husband. Even though this is a phrase I try not to utter, my family will tell you I say it with my face. They call it the smug face.

It is a bit of a joke in my house, but the smug face had the same impact on my kids as the words did on me as a child. Even though I made a conscious effort not to use the words, “I told you so,” the attitude and emotions behind the words still came out.

What a contrast to Jesus, who also uttered the words, “I told you so.”

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

In this chapter, Jesus is having a close moment with His disciples, and He is talking to them about things that are going to happen. They are confused and at times sad during this conversation. They are like children who can’t see all that is coming. But here is the difference between my smug face and Jesus’ “I told you so:” Jesus uses the phrase before the events. The smug face comes out after the events.

Jesus is not using this phrase out of the emotions of disappointment at not being obeyed. Nor is He speaking out of pride that He is right. He tells His disciples so that they may have peace.

When have I ever used the words, “I told you so” to give peace?

Jesus knew I would face trouble. He knew that in our lives we would face sickness, financial issues, government unrest, even death. But He told me so I could have peace. The troubles I face are connected to this world, and, until I reach heaven, I will face trouble.
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I have been dwelling on John 16 for weeks now, as we are all trying to navigate the COVID19 world. It seems every day there is some new change or disaster. There is so much information, but what is true and what is false? I am like the disciples that night, confused and wondering what is going on. That’s when I choose to remember this virus and the various responses we are undertaking are all known to Jesus. He knew this day, He could understand my pain and fear. He knew and He told me so.
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In His Service,
Bonnie

Last Tuesday, I received a text message from my daughter; she and her fiancé made the tough decision to postpone their May wedding. “Due to local restrictions and health concerns, we’ve made the decision to reschedule our wedding to a later date this year. We want to keep our friends and family safe and take the difficult decision around whether or not to travel in the next couple of months out of your hands."

As I thought about what to write for this week’s blog, it seemed important to find something positive. I found this wonderful post, written by Deborah Kur and posted on The Times of Israel. She experienced a situation similar to mine: the wedding will happen; she just won’t be there.

She writes, “As part of a greater whole, I can’t just think of my needs. The pull between head and heart is so difficult. Hopefully, we will all be able to weather this time of crisis from a place of integrity and calmness. Lifestyles have totally changed in the past few days and are probably going to keep changing, so here are some tips to keep healthy at this time:

Tips and daily practices:

• Meditate and pray daily. Focus your mind and raise your consciousness.
• Work with fears as they arise, but don’t let them overwhelm you.
• Focus on opportunities, not end-of-the-world scenarios. Ask yourself, “How can this situation cause positive changes that we and the world might need anyway?”
• Be a positive example and support to others. When we feel inspired, we will have a ripple effect on those we are spending time with.
• Think of small acts of kindness you can do for others out there. Be creative!
• Try to sleep at least eight hours every night.
• Get regular exercise–outdoors, if possible.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet, including fruit and veggies and drink plenty of water.
• Keep remembering to wash hands and follow the guidelines from the health authorities.
• Look for the opportunities of what can be done at home.
• Learn something new; this is stimulating. Platforms like COURSERA.COM offer free university courses. Keep stimulated!
• Gardening is a tranquil activity, and connecting to the earth is grounding. If you can be outside, walk barefoot on the grass, or–even better–the beach. It’s Spring!
• Spend time within contemplating; it can help us to emerge more peaceful and clear about our purpose not just in our own lives, but our role within humanity and inhabitants of our beautiful planet as well.
• Have deeper, longer conversations with people you love.

Out of struggle and tragedy something new can be born. What will your role in this rebirth be? Let’s look at this Coronavirus pandemic as a wake-up call as we unite to better serve each other and our planet.

My daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law’s decision, whilst it made me sad in the moment, also reminded me of how proud I am of them. They will reschedule. The wedding will take place.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-25

In His Service,
Janet
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P.S. Think physical distancing to combat the virus. This is NOT social isolation. Call a friend!

Many times inspiration is visual, as it is in this sculpture. Truly, a photo is worth a thousand words!  When my grandmother passed away a few years ago, I noticed that my mother had made this her background photo on her computer screen. As she looked at the photo every day, it provided the much needed comfort she desired at the time.

The original life-size sculpture of “Come Unto Me” by Jerry Anderson was unveiled 20 years ago with expectations of being a comfort to grieving families experiencing the loss of a loved one. Taking more than a year to make, the original bronze monument stands in the grand foyer of the Spilsbury Mortuary in St. George, Utah.  It has become a scenic attraction in addition to a comfort to many families at a most tender time of their lives.

The portrayal of an aged woman’s body, returning to it’s symbolic prime, portrays the spiritual journey from mortality to immortality and into the arms of our savior; an eternal destiny, that all mankind lives eternally.

Looking back over the past few years, it makes sense that my mother would find comfort from this beautiful image. I hope to one day visit St. George where I can experience the “Come Unto Me” life-size sculpture which has brought comfort and has lifted the hearts of many!

Jesus said, “In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way I am going.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.” “Because I live, you will live also.” John 14:2-6, 19

Yours in Christ, Connor