Current events –a.k.a. 2020’s pandemic and possible economic collapse — bring to mind a triple play of experiences, plus a grad slam that shook me up way back when.

In the late 1980’s, we had started a new business, decided to educate our kids at home, and welcomed Doug’s father and my mother to Annapolis. Then, we were hit with a tax bill that rearranged our finances – right after I decided to get sober.

And we were both pretty new Christians.

Nothing was ever the same again.

Back then, life  tossed us about in ways that felt like we were in a summer squall on the Chesapeake Bay . . . Yes, we enjoyed moments, even periods of calm, smooth sailing . . . but then, WHAM out of nowhere . . . the weather shifted. We couldn’t see two feet in front of us.

However, our anchor held . . . even when we were slow or forgetful to deploy it. Or, when I was told if my faith were stronger, I could have everything I wanted, not just what I needed.

Three lessons we took away from all those little experiences that are helpful in the storm COVID-19 is:

1. Life really is what happens while we make other plans. (John Lennon)
2. No pain is pointless.  (Randy Alcorn)
3. Sometimes, you have to take your best shot in a game you did not want to play, and whose rules you don’t know. (Proverbs 16:33)

In the subsequent decades, we have enjoyed many more smoother sails, than rough storms. But, at our age and stage, this pandemic may be a game-changer. (Med-Page COVID-19)

In the more eloquent words of another :

Every day I start with a running battle between faith and hope, doubt and unbelief—and sadness sometimes enough to sink ships. That’s why we need anchors that hold, including ones put in place before we knew we would need them. Mindy Belz

Maybe it’s time for an anchor-check?

What life lessons have you learned that take on more urgency in these upside down times that are today, dear reader?

Time for an ANCHOR Check?

Here’s a link to a sermon on living in anxious circumstances:  I Will Trust in You and Not Be Shaken

In the meantime, while we are checking our anchor, sing with me: Hallelujah!