WE GET TO DECIDE...
Being confined to our homes during this crisis, I want to share a few words of encouragement with my fellow creatives.
Things have changed quite a bit in the course of the past 5 days here in our country. In an effort to prevent this virus from spreading any further, schools have closed, large public gatherings are banned, restaurants and entertainment venues are closed and well....we're all home. We're home waiting to see how things progress, praying for our loved ones, community, nation and frankly, the rest of the world. We are confined to our homes, some, like my aging father, are alone, while others are juggling work while trying to teach kids at home. Whether alone or with family...this can be a trying time for anyone.
AT THE SAME TIME
These moments can also be what helps bring into focus some of the things we take for granted everyday..... like quiet rides to work, the ability to hang with friends at a moments notice, the opportunity to worship with fellow believers, hearing your child recap their day at school, the freedom to browse your local craft store without any apprehension, the availability of essentials at your grocery store, the friendly small talk with your mailman or librarian, date night our with your main squeeze. These are the things that help to fill each moment of our days. These are the things that we won't have for a while. And while we may feel grieved by the absence of these moments, we can take this time to reflect and find gratitude in all of those experiences.
This is a good time to whip out a journal and list the things that you're grateful for having the experience of. Let's not wait until things return to normal (whatever that may be). We can take a few minutes each day and write a line or two of gratitude for the things we've had. We can then write another line or two about the new things we're experiencing today as a result of where we are.
This will no doubt be a part of history....but we get to decide the attitude and level of gratitude we show, when all is said and done.
I'll close by thanking you for reading my post. I'd like to also encourage you to check on the elderly people in your community and to take a deep breath, nothing lasts forever.
Stay encouraged, blessed, creative & crafting
Pham the Phabulous
Livie's Lovelies
I love what you have said here and it is so true. My first reaction to the shortage of toilet paper was "Well? What did people do before it was invented?" You make due with what you have and when things get better you appreciate all those things you did without. God is good! - Chris Mitchell
ReplyDeleteHi Chris! Yes, you're right. We are returning to some basics that we've gotten away from due to the abundance of blessings we've received. I feel there are moments throughout all of our lives when God calls us to slow down a minute to really focus on the things that matter, be more intentional about how we spend out time and to extend a hand to those in need. This crisis has made that more apparent and truly defined the need for it....across the globe. Stay blessed friend!
DeleteThis is so true. Our world as we know it so different. I have to become my youngest son's teacher, doctor, gymsist...(Well we have to work on that), along with my regular role as mom, cook, cleaner, and all. I think we really do need to appreciate what we have and realize how fragile we are. We should try to rethink our normal routines. You are right, God does want us to slow down to focus on what is really important.
DeleteTherefore, I have been thinking about making medical remedy journals and survival alternatives tips and ephemera incase I can't find what I need at the empty stores. I just hope things get back better sooner than later.
In the meantime...there is always crafting...yay!