Quarantine Reflections

First, pause and take a deep breath. Humanity will get through this, even if we come through to the other side forever altered.

I do believe it’s time to hunker down, but I do not believe it’s time to turn completely inward.

COVID-19. That is on everyone’s minds and lips these days. Reactions run the gamut from absolute, mind-numbing fear and anxiety to cavalier bravado. We all fall somewhere on that continuum. I do not want to minimize anyone’s experience, but I do want to offer a few thoughts and hopefully a few words of encouragement.

I know this is a difficult and uncertain time. For many, stopping to think and ponder produces anxiety. I encourage you, however, to get still and contemplate a few things. When you do, allow God into the process. If I leave God out of the equation, I am typically left with my own thoughts continually circling around in on themselves. Those circular thoughts tend to work my mind into a frenzy. Instead, I hope you can take some time to reflect on how you interact with God and with the people around you.

The world will pick back up again at some point. My hope is that I have used this pause wisely and that I will carry the lessons I have learned into my life after “social distancing.”

For our family, this forced slow-down has been a blessing in many ways. We are currently self-quarantining because we had been exposed to crowds a week ago before the current stay-at-home order in our county was put into place. Over the past week, we have spent time building forts in the living room, reading (together and separately), watching movies, playing games, eating meals together that we have cooked together, and then cleaning up together afterwards. (I can promise you that my dish washer hasn’t gotten this much use in a very long time.)

We’ve done devotionals together and allowed room for questions and emotions to be expressed and processed. We have also eaten some interesting food combinations lately, some of which we might actually try again. This past week, I have tried to come up with a few things to anchor our day while not over scheduling our day in an attempt to distract. We are settling in for the long haul.

I realize for others, though, this is a time of great uncertainty, potential job loss, lonely isolation, or extreme exhaustion due to young ones being cooped up in small spaces. Some may be struggling with where their next meal will come. Others may be stuck in cramped spaces with people that are not coping well with the stress and anxiety that life can throw our way.

I am thankful for our local public schools that are being the hands and feet of Jesus by providing breakfast and lunch for all kids between the ages of 2 through 18. Many children in our community have no means of food otherwise. I am thankful for the many people who are looking beyond their own situations and reaching out to those around them in their time of need. I hope that awareness of the need and a commitment to help extends beyond this current crisis.

Reaching out to others will look differently for each of us though. If you are able, consider paying for a missed hair appointment or service instead of merely postponing it. Think about those you know that may be in need of comfort. Consider how you can reach out to them through a call, text, video chat, or handwritten letter. Ask them how they are doing and then actively listen to their responses. Practice, and I do mean practice, patience. Be patient with others, but also be patient with yourself. We all process grief and fear differently. Try not to run immediately to distraction or to frenetic activity.

My girls and I have been working through 1 John this past week. In doing so, we have discussed the importance of fellowshipping with others and what fellowship entails. We have also discussed fellowshipping with God as a verb and a way of life. This fellowship includes actually enjoying our time with God. How often is our time spent with God and with others built around activities, obligations, and duties instead of flowing from a place of enjoyment and curiosity?

So, if at all possible, I would encourage you to be still and truly enjoy a few moments with God, and then let your actions flow from that encounter and enjoyment. I am personally praying for ways to bless and help those around me that are wise and honoring of our stay at home provisions.

I am hoping to share more thoughts with you over the upcoming weeks, but I would love to hear your thoughts as well! Let’s link arms together as we muddle through this time of stretching and refining.

How are you dealing with this interruption in your daily lives? What type of encouragement do you need? How are you being an encouragement to others? Please let me know so that we can weather this storm together.