Here in Kansas, we have been in this virus lockdown for about a month now. It has been difficult. The emotional tug in so many different directions has been hard to manage. The unknowns and uncertainties have brought about doubt in my mind. It is heart wrenching to hear of the lives affected by this virus both physically and monetarily. We have all been affected in one way or another. Hats off to the parents who are managing work and kids schooling from home, you are my heroes.
I am grateful to still be working, but I am at home separated from my team. It has been challenging to stay motivated and at the peak of productivity, BUT in the midst of this, I see a bigger picture. I see the opportunity to find joy in the midst of trials, to try new things and connect with loved ones in new ways and time to pause and reflect on what really matters in my life and how I want to be spending my time.
Connection
Jeremy and I have set aside time for us to connect through date nights or in some cases date afternoons! We planned a movie night where we picked up pizza from one of our favorite local joints, popcorn and our favorite movie snacks. We both picked a movie we thought the other person would enjoy and just had fun with it. Other nights we have pulled out the game boards and cards! We also bought a set of books for a bible study that we have been doing together on Thursday evenings.
This past weekend my husband and I needed to get out of the house. Our four walls were feeling a bit tight and I just couldn’t take being cooped up any longer, as I’m sure many can relate to. Taking a stroll around the two streets in our neighborhood can only help so much. Jeremy made a very sweet gesture and decided to take me on a short drive to the countryside to enjoy a bit of God’s creation. Social distancing from the public and fresh scenery was a double win in my book! I even made a playlist for the occasion. You may have found us jammin’ to Bohemian Rhapsody loud and proud at one point.
Mamaaaaaaaaa oooooooooo!
Restoration
The entire day restored my soul. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day in Kansas. The newly planted fields were green and the sky was a vivid shade of blue. As the afternoon passed, more and more clouds rolled in. The weather and sunlight was a true gift from God. And honestly nothing beats a Kansas horizon. Some say it’s just flat and boring, but the wide open spaces as far as the eye can see is amazing to behold. Freeing.
There was only a small breeze and the sun was shining brightly! I have never been one for spending time outside in warmer weather in direct sunlight. I’m generally a fall and winter girl, but the more I work on my relationship with God, the more I enjoy it. As odd as that sounds, it makes me think about the song “Heavenly Sunlight” when I sit out on a sunny day. It reminds me of the warmth of God’s love and the light that he sheds in my soul. I appreciate direct sunlight far more than I ever have.
This time to appreciate God’s handiwork brought us peace. For an entire afternoon I was completely present. My mind was not fluttering about with the million things I needed to get done. My mind was free to be still in the moment and soak up every last ounce of joy from the day. I can’t tell you the last time that has happened!!
Reflections
It may have just been the perfect storm of timing and mental agility that day. However, I see the effect this virus has had on my ability to be focused and intentional every day. I see how much more effort I have to put in to be productive day in and day out in my work. I am grateful for the mental training I have received and find this time to be a real blessing. It has caused us to pause and spend time connecting, to each other and to our wonderful creator.
If it hadn’t been for COVID-19, Jeremy and I probably wouldn’t have taken the time to do this. We wouldn’t have had an entire day free of life’s business to stop and see the beauty of God around us. We wouldn’t have had the opportunity to talk and share and simply enjoy being. It was a wonderful day and one I hope I don’t forget. More than anything, I hope that we realize how necessary these things are and that we will continue to seek these opportunities even after life gets back to “normal.”
How are you using this time to build relationships with your family, with your spouse and kids? Are you using any extra time to focus and build your relationship with God? Have you had any revelations on how you could be better spending your time? I am genuinely curious how this time has affected you. Tell me in the comments below!
