Noisy!

​Tuesday is the noisiest day of the week.  It is the day the landscapers care for our lawns and shrubs.  First, the industrial mower cuts all the grass to the recommended 4” height.  Then the person with the edger walks around each section of lawn around each building cutting the tendrils of grass with the audacity to grow into the borders. Then the shrub trimmer comes around to ensure the shrubs do not get out of control. And, finally, the person with the heavy-duty blower comes around to blow grass cuttings and excess shrubs from our carports, drives, and streets. Tuesday is the day Riley the Quisling (RtheQ), our 14-year-old cat, hides under the bed in case the noise-maker ventures into the house. 
 
Recently I have felt like hiding under the bed with RtheQ.  Every news cast, most fb posts, NextDoor conversations, too many emails and nearly all neighborhood conversations focus on SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting disease, COVID-19.  I have had enough!  I want to hear about the latest escapades of your grandchildren, the coming of spring flowers, your summer vacation plans, the color of your newest pair of shoes. You get the idea.  Since I cannot do anything about the noise around except turning off the TV and avoiding social media, what can I do?  Romans 12:2 tells us ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.’   It is up to me to renew my mind with the promises of God summed up in Jeremiah 29:11 ‘ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’