As we go begin to open things up, I am surprised with the mixed emotions that I am feeling. I thought I would be happy and eager to return to whatever life is going to be now, but I am aware that I am not just feeling excitement and eagerness to be with people like I thought I would. I am also feeling some anxiety. I wonder if this is the right time. I worry that people will get caught up in the joy of being together and will not be diligent on safety protocols. But I also know that I have had unexpected blessings that have come out of this time of quiet and I am saddened that some may come to an end. Rebekah Simon-Peter who writes for Ministry Mattersspoke of just this. She called them the “post-pandemic blues” Here are some of her suggestions to help us as we move forward:
Consider your unexpected blessings
Start by consider how you may have…
- Simplified your life
- Spent less time working
- Cleaned, organize or de-cluttered
- Cooked and ate meals
- Paused
- Helped the people around you
- Started a spiritual discipline
For me it has been having two of my three young adult sons home every evening. I have been spending more time tending to my front and backyard. Schedules have eased so my 5 siblings and I have all been able to come together virtually. Life has just been simpler, and I have just been home more.
Choose practices you want to continue
Look at your list of the unexpected blessings and think about the ones that you would like to continue. I have started a garden and want to continue giving time to it and to my yards. Perhaps you might like to continue those virtual connections that you have begun with people in different parts of the country or world.
Create intentional change
Begin to plan now how you will continue to practice those unexpected blessings that you have discovered. You might want to pull out a calendar and block out times those practices that you want to keep. Being intentional and having a plan will help when the busyness swells, so we don’t get carried away in it.
Creating intentional change will be challenging but as with all challenges we face we have God beside us all the way cheering us on, giving us support. How lucky we are.
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10
Gracious God, we come to you with mixed emotions as we begin to go back into this world and out of the quiet. Thank you for listening to our concerns our worries and our apprehensions. Guide us as we come back into the busyness and give us strength as we face the challenges that may come our way. We are so very blessed to have your comfort through all of this. Thank you for being on this journey with us. Amen.
Marty