Hope In A Time of Chaos

My disclaimer is that I write this post as a single woman without children employed as a non-essential worker living and working in the safety of my home.

Bizarre, interesting, strange, and unnerving are words I’ve used to describe this season where we find ourselves. Each day I ask God “How long?” And in the midst of the chaos, uncertainty, sadness, and grief, I hold fast to God’s promises, believing His goodness can and will reign supreme. Each day my hope rests in knowing that during some of the most challenging times in our world and in my life, God has used even the lowest moments to bring communities together, nurture new opportunities, and draw people closer to Him. I stand believing that this too will be a season – yes – unlike any we’ve known, but perhaps many, many years from now we will find some way to say thank you, I am better because of it.

So what have I been doing? It’s been funny to watch the endless amounts of people “going live” on social media *insert eye roll here*, but encouraging to see people exploring new ways of connecting. Churches are hosting prayer and small groups, as well as services, online. Worship leaders are singing from the comfort of their living rooms, families are engaged in any number of challenges – people are finding ways to laugh and love during such a challenging season! So yes, I’ve been watching some of this. But I’ve also been quite intentional about the moments I do have.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am still employed. With this in mind, I have worked to structure my days as if I were going in to the office with a standard time to wake up, begin work after my devotion time and breakfast, take lunch breaks and end my work day. However, there are a few additional other things I’ve done and would like to share with you in hopes that they inspire you to also be intentional about this time.

1. In spite of all the funny videos and challenges, I’ve chosen to limit my time on social media. It’s just too much for my heart and mind to process. While I refuse to turn away from the pandemic, keeping account of every person who gets a fever, is diagnosed and is in isolation does not help my mental health. Instead, I have two primary news sources (one local and one international) I subscribe to. Daily, I skim the major stories and select a few to read deeper. My social media scrolling is limited to a couple of times throughout the day with a primary focus on more posting and sharing rather than consuming large amounts of unfiltered information. Romans 12:2

2. I’ve chosen to filter information I receive from others as well. In the first few weeks of COVID-19 I was getting all sorts of text messages and videos via instant messenger about what to eat, what not to eat, sunbathing and any other sort of hoax you can think of. In the spirit of compassion and boundaries, I’ve had to politely ask folks to not share these “resources” with me. For those I feel intimately connected with, I encourage them not to re-share them as well. Giving in to fear and panic do nothing to aid us during this time. 2 Timothy 1:7

3. There are a few things I’ve had on my to do list for a while, including reading through 20 years of journals (yes, 20 years – reflection blog post coming soon :-)). I have a long list of books I’ve been wanting to read or reread and my blog needs serious updating. I’ve used this time to do all of the above as the days permit. It has been both refreshing and fulfilling to be intentional with my down time and not see it solely from the perspective of lack. Matthew 25:14-30

4. I’m not a huge phone person. Actually, in any given week I can count on one hand the number of times I actually pick up the phone to call someone (and this is usually my mom). But during this season, I’ve set aside some time to intentionally reach out to friends and family, as well as leaving the door open to be available to those who want to or need to talk. Last weekend one of my friends and I spent three hours catching up. It was great! The Women’s Connect Group I co-lead has reconvened and we are now meeting weekly. I have agreed to pray with a few friends next week via Google Hangout. And a smaller group of friends and I are participating in virtual communion on Good Friday. These virtual gatherings are nothing in comparison to hugs and up close and personal laughter, but we are committed to remaining in fellowship. Hebrews 10:25

5. In all this doing, it can be easy to overdo things and forsake REST! I still honor my Sabbath and even more so, I honor slowing down. When I’ve worked from home in the past it is tempting to just keep going. It’s easy to feel like I need to do “all the things” around my house or catch up with everyone in one weekend. Instead, I am committed to pacing myself, going to bed at a reasonable hour and practicing the art of REST. Exodus 20:8-11

6. I’ve seen a lot of funny memes of eating all the snacks or lounging in pajamas all day. While I chuckle, I get it. For some, being at home all day can lead to mindless eating, perhaps drinking and a full-on, never-ending lounge mode. I am fortunate to live in a place where the weather is warm and walking trails and easily accessible. It’s been important to me to maintain a routine, eating schedule and exercise daily. 2 Timothy 1:7b

7. And finally, I’ve strategically thought about other ways to enrich my soul and feed my mind. I created a podcast listening list, have added to my sermon list on YouTube, and have an in-home worship session each day J. These activities have helped me continue to learn, not feel as isolated, and fully lean in to this time I have. They’ve also kept me feeling hopeful and loved during a time when it is so tempting to feel otherwise. Romans 12:1-2