Is It Worth Rushing Back To?
Like so many of you, I’ve definitely watched more news and read more news stories than I usually do. Ever. I was talking to my family today about how we’re all doing during this challenging time. Questions we asked each other included “what can we do different; what is working and what is not; what can we all do to help each other?” We talked about how to navigate the stress each of us feel from time to time and how to make a manageable schedule for the girls.
But I read something on social media that gave me pause. It said “In the rush to return to normal, use this time to consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to.” It was a quote from Dave Willis of the Marriage and XO Conference ministry.
As we are all trying to figure out our new daily routines, taking stock of what our future may look like is also a great idea. So what are the things that you can’t wait to get back to doing that were normal a month ago?
For me, it is sitting in a restaurant having a good meal. Having been in the restaurant business for over 30 years, I know how much all of my friends in the industry need that from their communities as soon as possible. I love dressing up (anything other than my usual day to day wear) and going to a restaurant, people watching and eating something that makes me feel joyful. I will never take that for granted again. Just the freedom to do that is high up on my list.
The other thing, that takes more time and money, is traveling. My first stop would be to NOLA to hug my family and friends. Hugging. Wow I never thought I’d count that as something to look forward to because it’s forbidden in this season. To spend time on my mom’s sofa laughing at something crazy my sister said or going to church to see my niece lead worship is now a sweet dream I can’t wait to be a part of. And, of course, my second stop would be Utila. To see and hug my family on both islands, bring a word of encouragement to my church family on the Cays, share a meal with my aunts and uncles, is something I’m counting down the days for.
But even something as simple as going to the beach in the evening with my husband to watch the sun set, one of our favorite things to do. To be so close to such beauty but not able to actually walk on the beach is so hard right now.
Then I think about Dave’s statement and I start to think of the things that I need to either limit or completely do away with and my mind starts processing how I’ve been using my time and my talents up to this point. I was telling two of my closest friends recently that I’ve beat myself up for not starting that novel I’ve talked about for years since I’ve moved. There’s an anxious feeling as another month goes by and I haven’t started it. But one of them said something profound. In this season, just be. Just let yourself rest in this time of unbelievable uncertainty. And it allowed me to just breathe a sigh of relief. So what will I do with those desires once this is all over. I talked about my new normal in my last blog but honestly, there’s another new normal coming.
What will life look like for you and me when COVID-19 is conquered and eliminated? When we can go back to work and church and dinner parties and walks on the beach? What will we have learned from this time of separation and isolation? What is most important to us? As we start to process through these questions, we will find our answers. What will I not rush back to? Doubting that I can accomplish the dreams God has put in my heart and gifted with the ability to accomplish. Losing hours on social media that do nothing for me except fill time. Going too long without reaching out to friends and family members scattered around the world. Not saying the words that need to be said for fear of rejection. I will never take for granted those in the healthcare industry, grocery store workers, restaurant workers, emergency responders and other selfless individuals that we just assume will be there at my beck and call. They are the true heroes even above the celebrities and sports stars who have given generously to those in need.
Dear reader, I pray that you have been able to see God in the midst of this craziness and unrest. I so hope that you’ve pulled in closer to Him and to those who love you during these times of uncertainty. I pray for your health and the protection of your families. I pray that after this crisis is over, you’ll be able to say that you know the answers to that question and will make the adjustments needed to not only pursue but accomplish your dreams!
