Did God Put His Kids in Time Out?

I watched Andrea Pacelli’s awe-inspiring Easter concert online on Sunday from the Cathedral of Milan. As magnifico as it was, I couldn’t help but think about the thousands who would usually attend one of his concerts. But this day, the Cathedral was empty, save Andrea and the organist. I noticed the empty streets in that bustling city where crowds come to visit the magnificent architecture and art everywhere. My husband and I were among the thousands there, entralled by this city’s beauty, on our 40th anniversary cruise.

A couple of weeks ago, right in the middle of this shelter-in-place, I went to a doctor appointment and noticed how empty the streets were here. I thought to myself “It seems like a Sunday when so many folks stay home.” Then I started thinking about the Sabbath day that God specifically called for in the Ten Commandments #4 to be exact: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” Have we kept this day holy? My musings continued: “What if God allowed this pandemic to get us shaped up and back to the main thing of being His devoted and consecrated people?” Like any good parent who loves their kids too much to let them keep on disobeying, maybe He was put out with our disobedience and slack in our observance of the Ten Commandments. And, He called for a “time-out” for us to reconsider our ways.

So, let’s just say that’s a truth – then what do good kids do while they’re in time out? I remember my daughter put her kids in time out, with an added-on discipline of writing a scripture verse at least ten times that represented their “infraction”. I also remember the necessity of apologizing to the one (usually her brother and vice versa) who had been the recipient of the naughtiness.

So what are we doing in this time-out? Especially, if we sensed in any way, that our Heavenly Father might be disciplining His kids? Proverbs 3:11-12 says “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the LORD reproves Him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

I’m sure God wants us to get along better. Maybe He wants us to “lie down in green pastures so He could restore our souls” (Psalm 23:4). Maybe He wants us to use our minds for creativity and ingenuity. Maybe He wants us to seek Him more. And so many of us have done that – we’ve been on daily prayer regimens, been a part of encouragement to others via Zoom-type meetings, and not missing a beat on attending church because we’ve watched on-line church.

As parents, we want our kids to learn from their mistakes, and when they do, there are so many rewards for those kiddos. I really think God nudged St. Paul’s writings with these words: “ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.” (Romans 8:28) Our good, good Father knows best. He IS working out these times for our good. I just know it.

I’m doing my best to be my most faith-filled daughter to Him during my time out! I want to make my Father proud that I’ve learned my lessons well. How about you?