If you'd known this Coronavirus situation would've quickly turned into us being banished to our houses, what would you have done to get ready for it? We'd been hearing about the virus for months. Yeah, there were news stories that we listened to casually. We were busy and there were places to be and people to see and what were the odds it would ever affect us here that much? We have a friend from China, who we'd ask for updates on what he was hearing from his family back home. It was solely to show our concern and to pray for the people he loves, not because we were concerned for our country at all. All that was so many miles away and barely on our radar.

If I'd had any idea that we'd be quarantining for two weeks and then two more weeks and who knows how many more, there are some things I would've done to be better prepared. We've got plenty of food and a freezer full of meat and vegetables, so I don't mean that. But, I could kick myself when I have vivid flashbacks of being on the fully-stocked hand sanitizer aisle, a few weeks ago, and strolling right on by thinking we didn't need any of that. Maybe if I'd known to get a case of those Clorox wipes from Sam's, it wouldn't have been necessary for me to implement an approval process for anyone wishing to use one around here. We're working on our only 70 count container, so there's an application that must be submitted for each use. Luckily, I'd just gotten toilet paper when this came about, but maybe I would've grabbed a few more rolls as I've been accused of being extravagant in my usage.

If I'd known what was coming, I would've ordered more puzzles and books to read. I may have feathered our nest with a few more comforting things to make our lockdown more pleasant. Maybe a couple of seasonal candles, some magazines, more pillows and throws for all the couch surfing. I could've had a few more things on hand that we could do together to pass the time. Maybe I would've shopped for more lounge-type clothing. If I'd only known, the last time I was in TJ Maxx, I would've snagged some new comfy shirts and elastic-y pants to give the neighbors a little more variety when I go to the mailbox or water the plants. I certainly would've gotten some home improvement project supplies to keep us more productive in our down time.

Who could've imagined that we should've stocked up on greeting cards and stamps? It never crossed our minds. Life is still happening though- good and bad- and we're limited on how we can express our support to each other. If we'd only known this is how it was going to be, maybe we would've bought ahead on some birthday gifts to leave on front porches. You know, some special ones to have on hand for all the birthdays and special occasions that are passing by with little fanfare.

For sure, I know if I'd had the inside scoop, I would've made a hair appointment for cut and color. The situation has entered the dire phase now. I have the volume of Richard Simmons, the split ends of Cyndi Lauper, and the color of Willie Nelson if you can picture it. Not only would I have gotten an appointment, but I would have suggested she take a little extra off for good measure. And then I would've left the hair appointment and promptly made my way over to the nail salon for a manicure. These are things that would have, at least, boosted morale in lockdown.

Who would've dreamed we'd ever miss church on Easter Sunday? I do believe this is the first Easter I won't be at church in all my 51 years. I'm sure that's true of a lot of you. Maybe if we'd known we'd be at home with our families all day, we would've gotten a special book to share for the season or materials to assemble a cross in the yard or something to make the day especially meaningful. Maybe if we'd known, we would've, at least, made sure we bought what we needed for our usual Easter meal and traditions. We would've been sure we had the coconut cake ingredients and a ham- a small one, of course. We would've grabbed those Cadburys and Peeps when we passed by them in February and thought we had plenty of time to think about Easter baskets. We would've gone ahead and gotten that green plastic grass and two or three bags of Reese's eggs.

There are a lot of things we would've done to prepare for this incredibly unusual time if we'd only known. We were so busy with our work and our lives when we started hearing the rumblings from miles and miles away and so long ago. We didn't think it would ever happen to us and certainly not like this. And if it was going to happen, we thought we had more time.

Preparations can make all the difference. I've found it to be interesting that this time-out has been called during the Easter season. I'm just wondering if, while we're still and quiet, for once, God's wanting to use this undivided attention to deliver a crucial message. Just like we want our children to be still and quiet and look at us when we're talking to them, maybe He's using this situation to emphasize the critical importance of making preparations for something else that's coming. Something bigger. The day we'll meet Him face to face. Maybe wiping our calendars clean, keeping us from work, and getting us all alone was the only way we would ever hear His voice warning us to make the most important preparations of all. Preparations to meet Him when we die or when He comes back.

We may think our death or His return is so far away or maybe we think He won't ever return since it's been so long.

"But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." 2 Peter 3:8-9

Just like a pandemic or drop-in company or an unexpected death, we won't know when He'll return, so we need to be prepared.

"Keep watch, because you do not know what day your Lord will come. But understand this; if the owner of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."  Matthew 24:42-44

Unlike a pandemic, though, this day won't be anything to fear if we're prepared. On the contrary, it will be the most glorious day.

"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 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 if 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." John 14:1-3

I remember when my children were teenagers. Like most, they stayed in their rooms a lot. When I wanted to tell them something, I'd go in there and their TVs would be blaring or loud music was playing. I never wanted to tell them anything of any importance until they turned it all off. That way, they could really hear what I was saying to them. I didn't want to have to compete with the noise, because, most of the time, I couldn't. I wanted them to only hear me and what I was trying to say. I wonder if God is using this most unusual time to turn off all the noise and beg us (again) to get ready. To make preparations. To make sure our families are ready. To get our homes in order. To reprioritize our lives. To use our gifts to give honor to Him. To make the most of the time we're blessed to enjoy. I wonder if He's desperately pleading with us to do these things, while we still have time.

It will be an Easter like none we've ever experienced to be sure. We'll get up and I'll cook some breakfast- probably a step or two above what we normally have. There will be an Easter basket of some description set out for our almost 20 year old. Instead of heading to church in our Sunday best, the three of us will watch our church's Easter service on TV- probably in ultra-comfy clothes. We'll likely call Blair and John Samuel and see what they're doing since they can't be with us like usual. There won't be any family photos. We'll check in with our parents as there won't be any family gatherings to enjoy with them. We're set to have pretty severe weather all day, so there won't be any outdoor time, I'm afraid. We'll listen to the weather updates. Maybe take a nap after our lunch. I plan on cooking a roast for dinner. Just the three of us will sit down to enjoy it. Maybe we'll watch an Easter movie after that. It will be quieter than usual. Less hectic than the standard. Nothing like the norm.

Maybe that's what He wants. To take us out of our usual and our standard and our norm, so we can really feel the urgency to make preparations in our lives and our families and our hearts. Preparations for Him.


  Have a blessed Easter,