Perhaps it is there in His gracious rhythm and merciful pace that I find my answers.~Journal entry during COVID-19

Even amidst the stay-at-home order, I've struggled with exhaustion. Mentally mostly. I've felt pressure to continue to be productive and create routines inside my sequestered environment. Yet often, I've merely wanted to collapse on my bed and lament, "This 'new normal' is overwhelming and I have no beacon for the struggle." 

One of the coping tools I've used in my daily routine is to listen to several podcasts throughout the day. One of my favorite resources is Brilliant TV where I listen to Graham Cooke and Allison Bown. There is a format where listeners can make comments. On one of the podcasts, I became attracted to a phrase that Mr. Cooke used, "the weight of His mercy." I was especially attracted to this expression, because I have felt "weighted" during the pandemic--not by mercy, but rather by depression and dread, anxiety and lethargy.

I ventured to write a comment stating how much I identified with the phrase, and this is how Allison Bown responded...

The weight of mercy is a powerful truth. That's an "X" that marks the spot for you to explore more. What if the greatest weights of pressures on our lives were those of mercy, grace and beauty? Continue to think deeply with God, Priscilla. You're on a great exploration with Him. 

Ms. Bown's response gave me much to contemplate during these days of speculation and ambiguity. Her repsonse increased my hope, reminded me that I do have a lantern during this dark time--God's mercy, grace and beauty. His love, favor and kindess. His tender intentions never change.

A prayer for all of us during these chaotic times: 

Jesus have mercy on us.

Let the weight of your grace bring us strength.

Let our prayers be rivers of gratefulness, even when our faith wavers, even when we doubt that anything good could come of this wave of misery in the world.

Thank you that our hearts are entwined with yours.

Jesus, may your peace light our way.