I spent most of this month on vacation. Nine days camping with my family: children, spouses, grandchildren. Eight days in Montana with my mom. Getting into a routine again is historically difficult for me. I always tell myself: “Four days of grace. That’s how long it will take to make the adjustment from travel to home. Be kind to yourself.”

Today as I pondered what to write in this post, my thoughts went like this: “I don’t know what to write for tomorrow. Getting back to normal is always so tough. Hey! I’ve heard that so often lately – ‘I want to get back to normal.’ What is normal anyway? Some say it’s a setting on the dryer. That’s clever. Will life ever be ‘normal’ again? Everything feels so chaotic and scary. Am I scared? What am I scared of? Do I need to be scared? What if the wrong person is elected in November? But wait, isn’t that what they say every year? Isn’t every candidate the wrong one for someone? Is it really an eternal event? Is God still in control? How do I know that he is? Why do I feel so unsettled then? Maybe it’s the dream I had last night…”

What do you do when inertia takes hold and harrassing thoughts fill your mind threatening to drag you into the mire and mud? I saw two possible choices. I could be swept away by the thinking based on speculations and human reasoning, or I could stop and focus on what I know to be eternally true. Then, from that place of rock solid foundation, I can make my next best move. These are the words that came to me. I show it in three different translations with phrases highlighted that stand out to me in each one.

²⁵But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. ²⁶And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! ²⁷I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!

Job 19:25-27 NLT

²⁵I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. ²⁶And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; ²⁷I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Job 19:25-27 NIV

²⁵As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. ²⁶Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God; ²⁷Whom I myself shall behold, And whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!

Job 19:25-27 NASB

My father passed away 11 years ago in an ATV accident. At his funeral, someone shared that he knew Dad liked to debate. One time, he sparred with someone regarding the upcoming presidential election. Dad loved a good disagreement, but a few minutes into this one he wisely chuckled a little and said, “I don’t know who will win the election, but I do know that in the end King Jesus will reign.”

It’s funny, you know. I didn’t really intend to write about the election. You see, I believe the most important element isn’t who wins the election in November, but how we live every day before and after that One Day in November.

But for the next few days, I am going to get lots of sleep, be gracious with myself, enjoy slow mornings on the deck with my coffee and long evenings over dinner with those I love.

How about you? Are harassing thoughts filling your mind? Are you weary and worn out? Do you need to be more loving to yourself? More gentle to those around you? Take time to remember that OUR REDEEMER LIVES! And one day He will stand on the earth!