Hi, friends! Happy Saturday. Today marks two weeks of social distancing, and all I can say is wow. The world seems so different these days, but so very much the same. For many of us, social media has helped us stay connected. Then again, too much social media can really bring you down (no, thanks!). I may not be the first to say this, but I definitely recommend limiting your time online and sticking with maybe just one or two sources for news updates.
In this season, I can’t help but think that in some way we’ve returned to simpler times that our grandparents used to talk about. When life wasn’t so full of the noise and distractions and we weren’t chasing busy. People took time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. When times were tough, they buckled down and did what was needed to love and serve their neighbors and nation. In that regard, I’m seeing good come out of a bad situation.
We’re reconnecting with neighbors, and we’re connecting with our families, coming together to tackle tasks and chores and lesson plans. We’re checking in on loved ones more, and we’re doing what we can to support our local businesses and community. We’re increasing our prayers and spending more time in the Word and seeking God. We’re getting outdoors, working in our yards and gardens and appreciating nature and the world around us. We’re getting creative with our time and how we overcome a trying situation.
This season of uncertainty has made certain again the people and things that mean the most, and it seems our attitude is changing as we grow in gratitude for the lives we’ve lived. The privileges and joys we experience every day. Like lunch dates with friends. A night at the theater or an adventure somewhere new. Celebrating milestones with loved ones. Extended family get-togethers. Big hugs, kissed cheeks, and handshakes. Running errands and yes, even work. I’m sure we will all return to life as usual but with a renewed outlook and sense of gratitude.
In the meantime, we can lean into this season and be made better by it, carrying what we learn to the other side of this. Choosing faith over fear. Remembering what our grandparents taught us, slowing down, loving one another, and doing the hard (sometimes uncomfortable) work where it’s needed. Maybe we will see that people might just need a little old fashioned. A little less noise and a lot more of Jesus.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
