My first reaction was unease. I felt numb as I stared at the TV and listened to our leaders explain that schools would be closed, businesses closed, travel restricted, and life as we know it would to come to a sudden halt. My thoughts immediately shifted to how can I keep my family healthy, how are we going to pay the mortgage, how will I keep the kids occupied, who will care for the seniors and others living alone? WILL WE BE OK? It is easy when suddenly confronted with change to fear what is unknown and forget the peace we were just living in only moments before. But then I remembered.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Life has taught me to look past the obvious and to look a little deeper to see what God is doing. I have learned to hold on to peace in the midst of the storm. So I caught myself before I journeyed too far down that lane of fear. I made a decision that I was not going to allow our present situation with the covid-19 virus to change my thinking or to change what I already know. I would exercise wisdom, but I refused to let fear come in the door.
Life is busy. Despite the vast possibilities with technology, we have become a disconnected, material-driven, overwhelmed, and weary society. Our to-do lists have become longer than our dreams list. Families do not engage with one another and technology has replaced relationship. Neighbors don’t talk over the fence. Elderly sit home alone and stare at the phone that never rings. Social media swallows up inordinate amounts of time. Creating and reading have become lost arts. We forget the things that we were once passionate about. Dreams are put on hold or forgotten.
Perhaps it was time for change. I knew I was ready for a slow down. And so were many of you. I have been praying for the sick and for the separated families who cannot be there to comfort their loved ones. But I have also been praying for the families that are now finding themselves home, together, with an incredible opportunity to be family again. I have been celebrating the re-connections that parents are making with their children. I have been enjoying the creative means that people are using to re-engage. I am enjoying listening to families sitting outside in our neighborhood, laughing and talking. In the midst of our upside down world, I see beauty everywhere.
I love to peruse Facebook just to view the finished home projects, artist works, new music, and love being shared in unique, creative ways. Neighbors are talking over the fence offering help and swapping stories. People are reaching out to shut-ins and helping them with their shopping, errands and yard work. Siblings are playing together and crafting sidewalk chalk art. People are giving generously. Those that are not working are reaching out to help those on the front lines battling the illness in the hospitals and urgent cares. Gardens are getting planted, children are learning to cook, and new hobbies are being learned. We are creating a community in our neighborhoods and towns. People are caring. Lives matter. Love is here.
I sat outside this morning listening to the world wake up. The birds were chattering. The sky was a beautiful blue with streams of sunlight beaming overhead. It felt good to disconnect from the news, from the phone, and from the uncertainty. Yes, there is much to be concerned about. The majority of people on this earth have never seen anything like this. But I see good emerging. It is spring here where we live. Flowers are poking through the earth, trees are blossoming, and the breeze is blowing. There is new life all around. But it has also become “spring” in our homes. As I feel the world waking up around me, I realize that we are all in a new season where we are re-learning to celebrate one another. We are remembering what is important. We are living again. I am enjoying this fresh breath of life. I am enjoying my family around me each day as we connect. I am smiling again as I slow down and reflect on what really matters and learn new things and rediscover old passions. I encourage you to pause and look at the world through these new lenses. It’s time to experience living again. Beauty is everywhere. We just need to look.
Sending virtual hugs….until we can meet again.
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
I AM. BELOVED 