I began this several weeks ago and then got sidetracked only to come back weeks later realizing I needed to finish my thoughts.
Life has dramatically changed in just a weeks time! Life seems so uncertain and unbelievable. If someone would have told me a month ago that restaurants would close to dine-in guests, churches would cancel services, and people would be fighting over toilet paper, I wouldn't have believed it. Would you? We're all in the same boat. We are all wondering what tomorrow would bring. We all wonder how we will get groceries if everything closes. And, we are all worried about getting the virus as we sing "happy birthday" while washing our hands.
We all have a choice when we wake up in the morning. Will we worry as we think of all of the things that we're missing out on, the things that have changed, and the things we can't get right now? Or, will we think of all of the ways we are grateful in this time of uncertainty? I choose to be grateful.
While I am learning about social distancing, I am also learning to slow down. While I am one of the blessed who is still able to work, I am finding that my home time is increasing.
It's times like this that help me realize what is important. What am I ok doing without? What do I miss the most? What am I glad I don't have to deal with now? These are questions we all should be asking so that when this time of social distancing ends- and it will end- how can we live better? We might as well learn something from this experience.
I have noticed several things since writing the beginning paragraphs of this post.
While initially in a state of shock, I wasn't surprised at all when schools were announced closed until September, when stores decided to limit paper products, or even the limit of people in a store at a time. Things have become a new normal in a pretty short amount of time.
I have seen churches become more of an outreach than ever before- not in mission as much as sharing the message. Although some are still mission focused, it's more of a challenge to do mission while socially distancing. But, every time I open social media, I see churches posting messages of hope, sharing their services online, sharing devotions, and sharing music so much more than ever before! How many more people are being reached through these posts? This shouldn't end when social distancing ends! I was just talking to someone who was turning on a service from last Sunday an hour away. What wonderful opportunities to reach people, to go back and listen again to something that touched us, to share with someone we think would love to hear some part of a service! I just colored two pictures for Palm Sunday. I see people posting pictures that I never would have seen before for 2 reasons. Churches wouldn't always think to offer coloring to the congregation and people wouldn't always post pictures of their masterpieces! Not that those things don't happen at all, but not in such numbers.
I've succumbed to the world of face time. I have never liked video chatting and, in fact, if anyone ever called me on it, I would immediately hang up on them. It just felt awkward and I was never ready to chat and be seen. But, last weekend, someone called and we had a great conversation and I loved seeing her face and getting a glimpse into her world for a time. Then, I scheduled a facetime with my sister so I could see my mom and say hi to her. I miss my weekly visits to see her so much and it was a blessing to see her even if she wasn't talkative. I can't wait to see her again! And, of course, to catch up with my sister to find out how things are going there.
I'm also doing several Bible studies through online connections. While social distancing, there are some ways that we can become more connected because we are seeking ways to connect. I'm doing a weekly Bible study through webex and several daily studies through marco polo conversations. It's been awesome to have conversations with people who live near and far and who may not otherwise have become connected.
We have more time to "just be". Of course, parents with young children may not be able to experience this, but for the rest of us, spending more time at home and being able to get things done or spending time with the people in our own homes is something we don't always get. Everyone always has to go here or there... until now when everything is closed. I know my dogs are pretty excited about this!
There are things I miss dearly and that I'm sad I can't have right now. Spending time with people I love is something I have always treasured, but treasure even more now. My weekly Sunday/ now Friday night adventures at Culver's with friends is one of those things. We have tried to figure out a safe way to do it and have thought about online options, but nothing beats the time together. Just like my weekends with family and staying with my mom... online visits have to do but I can't wait until I can hug my mom again!
I am sad for all of the celebrations during this time, both joyful and otherwise. A friend passed away this morning and I wonder what kind of celebration of life can happen in these times. Birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc. all happen with much less fanfare. But, I've also seen awesome ways people have reached out and communities have reached out to celebrate each other, to thank those who are working, and to do what they can to make things better. Bears, hearts, and rainbows have appeared on windows to bring smiles to people passing by.
So, in the midst of all of the unknowns we are facing, I choose to see a glass half full. Our lives are changing and terrible things are happening. But, some of the changes I'm seeing are a blessing. Maybe it's time we slow down, spend more time together, focus on what's really important, and stop taking things for granted. And, in an ever-changing world, one thing that doesn't change is love. We are still loved and we still love others, and God still loves us. We can show our love for God by finding ways to love others through the hard times.
So, where is God today? He is right there with us just as He was before Covid-19- He never changes even if the world around us does.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Life has dramatically changed in just a weeks time! Life seems so uncertain and unbelievable. If someone would have told me a month ago that restaurants would close to dine-in guests, churches would cancel services, and people would be fighting over toilet paper, I wouldn't have believed it. Would you? We're all in the same boat. We are all wondering what tomorrow would bring. We all wonder how we will get groceries if everything closes. And, we are all worried about getting the virus as we sing "happy birthday" while washing our hands.
We all have a choice when we wake up in the morning. Will we worry as we think of all of the things that we're missing out on, the things that have changed, and the things we can't get right now? Or, will we think of all of the ways we are grateful in this time of uncertainty? I choose to be grateful.
While I am learning about social distancing, I am also learning to slow down. While I am one of the blessed who is still able to work, I am finding that my home time is increasing.
It's times like this that help me realize what is important. What am I ok doing without? What do I miss the most? What am I glad I don't have to deal with now? These are questions we all should be asking so that when this time of social distancing ends- and it will end- how can we live better? We might as well learn something from this experience.
I have noticed several things since writing the beginning paragraphs of this post.
While initially in a state of shock, I wasn't surprised at all when schools were announced closed until September, when stores decided to limit paper products, or even the limit of people in a store at a time. Things have become a new normal in a pretty short amount of time.
I have seen churches become more of an outreach than ever before- not in mission as much as sharing the message. Although some are still mission focused, it's more of a challenge to do mission while socially distancing. But, every time I open social media, I see churches posting messages of hope, sharing their services online, sharing devotions, and sharing music so much more than ever before! How many more people are being reached through these posts? This shouldn't end when social distancing ends! I was just talking to someone who was turning on a service from last Sunday an hour away. What wonderful opportunities to reach people, to go back and listen again to something that touched us, to share with someone we think would love to hear some part of a service! I just colored two pictures for Palm Sunday. I see people posting pictures that I never would have seen before for 2 reasons. Churches wouldn't always think to offer coloring to the congregation and people wouldn't always post pictures of their masterpieces! Not that those things don't happen at all, but not in such numbers.
I've succumbed to the world of face time. I have never liked video chatting and, in fact, if anyone ever called me on it, I would immediately hang up on them. It just felt awkward and I was never ready to chat and be seen. But, last weekend, someone called and we had a great conversation and I loved seeing her face and getting a glimpse into her world for a time. Then, I scheduled a facetime with my sister so I could see my mom and say hi to her. I miss my weekly visits to see her so much and it was a blessing to see her even if she wasn't talkative. I can't wait to see her again! And, of course, to catch up with my sister to find out how things are going there.
I'm also doing several Bible studies through online connections. While social distancing, there are some ways that we can become more connected because we are seeking ways to connect. I'm doing a weekly Bible study through webex and several daily studies through marco polo conversations. It's been awesome to have conversations with people who live near and far and who may not otherwise have become connected.
We have more time to "just be". Of course, parents with young children may not be able to experience this, but for the rest of us, spending more time at home and being able to get things done or spending time with the people in our own homes is something we don't always get. Everyone always has to go here or there... until now when everything is closed. I know my dogs are pretty excited about this!
There are things I miss dearly and that I'm sad I can't have right now. Spending time with people I love is something I have always treasured, but treasure even more now. My weekly Sunday/ now Friday night adventures at Culver's with friends is one of those things. We have tried to figure out a safe way to do it and have thought about online options, but nothing beats the time together. Just like my weekends with family and staying with my mom... online visits have to do but I can't wait until I can hug my mom again!
I am sad for all of the celebrations during this time, both joyful and otherwise. A friend passed away this morning and I wonder what kind of celebration of life can happen in these times. Birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc. all happen with much less fanfare. But, I've also seen awesome ways people have reached out and communities have reached out to celebrate each other, to thank those who are working, and to do what they can to make things better. Bears, hearts, and rainbows have appeared on windows to bring smiles to people passing by.
So, in the midst of all of the unknowns we are facing, I choose to see a glass half full. Our lives are changing and terrible things are happening. But, some of the changes I'm seeing are a blessing. Maybe it's time we slow down, spend more time together, focus on what's really important, and stop taking things for granted. And, in an ever-changing world, one thing that doesn't change is love. We are still loved and we still love others, and God still loves us. We can show our love for God by finding ways to love others through the hard times.
So, where is God today? He is right there with us just as He was before Covid-19- He never changes even if the world around us does.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thank you for this thoughtful message, Jennifer.
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