My habit is to wrap up months and seasons with reflection. What did I learn? What was life giving? What was life draining? How can I stay away from life draining?
You know, all the things. Here is what I came up with:
1. I'm a former toilet paper snob. So sad, but true. I had one brand I liked; if the store was out of it; no problem, come the weekend when I traveled to the state my church was in, I'd buy it at a store there. (I live in a tri-state area.) Then came 'Rona 2020 and I'm buying whatever brand I can get my hands on. Turns out the two comparable brands to my favorite are actually nicer! Who knew?
2. The excuse I told myself about being able to write more when I worked less hours is a lie. Truth is, I can crank out more words when my mind is in the right frame of mind. The hours I work actually have nothing to do with it.
When words are burning on your heart? You find time to write them!
3. I'm living my best life right now. I do not want to be insensitive to those who are suffering during this time; but I can only report what is happening to me. I've always said I could be a hermit. And now, I know. It is true.
4. I loved sharing with my bible study students via morning devotionals. For the writer in me, it was a great way to connect. But I must admit, since my church opened back up, face to face is better. You get feedback!
5. The main lesson I learned during COVID-19 is this: Don't be so busy. I have to admit I'm still working this out in my life. Rest is hard for someone like me. But I have to trust God that 6 days of work is enough.
Everyone is talking about what life will be like once all restrictions have been lifted. I don't think it will ever be exactly the same - and that can be a good thing.
What I hope and pray for my world is this: Let us each be more intentional about how we spend our time.
Let's first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Then everything else will fall into place.
What has been your experience these last few months?
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I'm sharing this with the communities at
There's a whole lot of learning going on right now, isn't there, Jerralea! Your discoveries hit home in more ways than one ...
ReplyDeleteI continued working so I didn’t get to experience exactly what you did. However, my time off was at a Somewhat slower, quieter pace and that has been good.
ReplyDeleteLots to learn for sure during this time. It's confirmed to me that gathering together for building up and encouragement is very important for believers.
ReplyDeleteI am a planner and I have a large family so I stocked up before lock-down. Angel Soft is my fav - not going to lie! Due to spinal-fusion surgery, I had been practicing isolation for about 8 weeks prior to our state's lock down. My husband works from home, two sons were college students living at home, I keep my grandson when on their parents workday - so my life still had a bustle in it. Even though it's had its brand of busy, I have enjoyed the time to continue healing at my own pace without pressure to do things I didn't feel ready for. Lots of silver linings (blessings) to this challenge! So glad you enjoyed and found the blessings, too!
ReplyDeleteThe store brands are sometimes better than the original and sometimes not that great. Toilet paper is definitely one of the better ones. I've been surprised that our normal TP has been available every time we've looked, and sometimes it was the only option available. Anyway, I'm getting a little off, I think, from the point of your post. ;-) I loved your comment about thinking you'd write more with more time. I can so relate. And you're exactly right that it has nothing to do with time. It's all about the head space. And the heart space for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your lessons from COVID-19. I am taking away the one about not being so busy. I also know that choosing to be more intentional will always help me. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThose are all good lessons. I had to laugh at the tp one. I learned that I definitely needed a rest and I took advantage of it. I also learned I can make do without a whole lot of things that seemed so darn important before. Thanks for sharing your lessons.
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