I have resented the many social media posts that imply we are all a mess during our personal lock-downs due to the stay in place directive related to the corona virus (COVID-19).
I did not feel a mess or anxious until perhaps this evening. I'd rather refer to it as feeling off.
This weekend marks my 2nd full week of self-isolation. I have been to grocery stores twice in the two weeks for a short time, been out for walks, but more or less have been home reading, writing, and watching TV.
Why We Feel Off
A friend on social media wrote why she feels a little off. Her explanation helped me make sense of my feelings.
Missing for her are day and week markers. Her markers were simple things that were regularly in her schedule. Gone is her in-person Bible study, her card game, and her crafting group meetup.
My markers have been meeting my gym mates for mid-morning workouts, my husband's return from work at dinnertime, going to church, that kind of thing.
Some of us currently feel off-kilter since the little bit of structure we had is gone. Day tends to flow into day.
Why We Feel Off
A friend on social media wrote why she feels a little off. Her explanation helped me make sense of my feelings.
Missing for her are day and week markers. Her markers were simple things that were regularly in her schedule. Gone is her in-person Bible study, her card game, and her crafting group meetup.
My markers have been meeting my gym mates for mid-morning workouts, my husband's return from work at dinnertime, going to church, that kind of thing.
Some of us currently feel off-kilter since the little bit of structure we had is gone. Day tends to flow into day.
Managing the New Routine
It's also spring and here in Ontario, Canada. Has only been a little sunny and isn't quite warm enough to do a lot of yard work. It is supposed to rain this week.
But even as an introvert who is used to working from home, I admit I don't have this prison sentence licked.
We all need outside interaction. We need something beyond our spouse and our own homes. Our structure is missing. Our connections are missing.
No Use in Complaining
I used to complain about my situation. With several days of not talking to someone in person, I'd tell my husband I was dying inside. I felt worse especially when I had no meaningful writing projects, when articles and books weren't selling, or when I had writer's block. I often said I wanted a real job.
When no new job transpired, my husband usually told me to just appreciate my life. Now that he is also working from home, I hope he feels catches a glimpse of the rut-like feeling I've often experienced. I hope he learns empathy.
My Why
I've told God I'd be his scribe--his conduit to the world through my writing if he'd let me. For a time, I felt him leading me to write great articles and Kindle books. But lately, the anointing seems to be gone. My last book for at-home moms isn't selling at all.
The organization I sell articles through has new editors. I've never had so many rejections in ten years as I've had in the last six months. It's discouraging!
So right now, in the midst of this COVID-19 lockdown, though I crave change, now is not a time for change. The whole world is locked down!
Fasting
I realized today, this lockdown can be viewed as a fast we're all on. We are fasting life as we've known it. Do you see that? What are you fasting from just now?
We can probably use some of this time to tune into God to find out what he is up to in our lives--the usual purpose for a fast. If only we can pull ourselves away from the news, social media updates, or TV shows.
New Starts
With the turn of the calendar, many of us looked forward to what new thing God might do in our life in 2020. Did you?
Some of have been anticipating new opened doors. But now they're slammed shut!
If we view this as a forced fast, perhaps we can press into God and hear from him better?
God is With Us
God has not left us. He is still at work. It's not for us to worry about the future or to try to figure out this COVID-19 thing. He works all things out in our lives for good. That hasn't changed. We need to stay in faith.
I've told God I'd be his scribe--his conduit to the world through my writing if he'd let me. For a time, I felt him leading me to write great articles and Kindle books. But lately, the anointing seems to be gone. My last book for at-home moms isn't selling at all.
The organization I sell articles through has new editors. I've never had so many rejections in ten years as I've had in the last six months. It's discouraging!
So right now, in the midst of this COVID-19 lockdown, though I crave change, now is not a time for change. The whole world is locked down!
Fasting
I realized today, this lockdown can be viewed as a fast we're all on. We are fasting life as we've known it. Do you see that? What are you fasting from just now?
We can probably use some of this time to tune into God to find out what he is up to in our lives--the usual purpose for a fast. If only we can pull ourselves away from the news, social media updates, or TV shows.
New Starts
With the turn of the calendar, many of us looked forward to what new thing God might do in our life in 2020. Did you?
Some of have been anticipating new opened doors. But now they're slammed shut!
If we view this as a forced fast, perhaps we can press into God and hear from him better?
God is With Us
God has not left us. He is still at work. It's not for us to worry about the future or to try to figure out this COVID-19 thing. He works all things out in our lives for good. That hasn't changed. We need to stay in faith.
- Why not ask God to grow your faith during this lock-down time?
- Why not ask him to speak to you about what he has in mind for you right where you are?
- Make a list of what he reveals to you during your lock down.
