Hey there friends. I thought in light of everything going on in the world these days, it was about time for another frazzled friday. How are you doing there wherever you are?? Are you staying home? Or are you going to work in the thick of the chaos? Maybe your a health care worker on the front line. Maybe you’re stocking the shelves at the . grocery store as fast as you can. Maybe you’re a small business owner and wondering if you’re going to be able to keep things afloat during this time. It’s a weird time for everyone. We are swimming in uncharted waters.
This is new for all of us and we are all struggling. But, I feel like we are all doing the best we can. Moms have become teachers. Homes have become offices. I’m currently sitting across from my hubby while we both work.
As a WAHM this is a whole new challenge for me. It’s one thing to have my kids home, that typically happens during the summer, but I hardly have my hubby home during work times. 🙂 Still figuring out how to navigate all of that. But, we’ll manage.
I’m actually quite thankful for the extra family time that we have been blessed with. I’ve seen so many different takes on this pandemic. But, one I thought was really interesting was what if God is using this to strip away all of our idols. Think about it, sports are no more, concerts gone, shopping gone, (except for online and even that is limited since most things are taking longer to ship), our wealth, so many thinks in question or just gone. Interesting thought right??
Also, circulating around is how children might remember all of those 10 years from now. Will they remember the fear and the frustration of not being able to go to school, or leave their house, or see their friends? Or will they simply remember the extra time they got to spend with their families, the dinners at the table, less stress and more peace? I guess that depends on how we handle things at home am I right? Are you watching the news all the time? Are you allowing the stress and gloom of it all come out amongst your family? Or, are you enjoying all of these extra moments by playing games, being creative with new and fun activities with your kids, allowing them to be creative in all this new free time??
I’ve seen advice from teachers and therapists that say don’t add stress to these little people. They are already stressed. Even if they can’t articulate it, they are. They know things are different and they don’t know why. Don’t pile on the school work, do just a little each day to keep their minds fresh. Don’t fret over things in front of them. Make it as fun as possible.
We have older kiddos at home, but mental state is still a concern. My boys are junior and senior in high school. Yes, I said senior. That’s a whole nother can of worms right there. He left for spring break not knowing that it would be the last time he would step in those doors of the school. That he would not get to accept his senior awards, not attend his final band banquet, not perform his last concerts – band, percussion, jazz, not attend his senior prom, most likely not even walk across the stage and accept his diploma. Wow, what a blow that was I’m not gonna lie. We are still processing it all really.
But, even in all of that God is good. We are moving forward to the happy that will happen in the fall when he gets to attend the school of his choice and pursue the dream God has put in his heart. We will celebrate him at some point, just not sure when. 🙂 Just today I was thinking about graduation announcements. I had planned to have those ordered already, but I put it on hold not really sure as to what was going to happen with it all. Now, I’m just not sure how to proceed. He will be celebrated, his accomplishments will be recognized.
My heart goes out to those who have wedding planned during this time too. What is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life, now shadowed with this thing. Praying for all those in this spot. May God shine His grace on your marriage no matter if you get to celebrate it the way you intended or not.
I know this is a grave situation, and I mean no disrespect to those that are in the throws of it, fighting this disease or separated from someone who is fighting. But, we cannot dismiss or hide away other feelings that are swirling around inside of us during this uncertain time. That’s not healthy for anyone. And, that is why I am sharing with you.
But, I would also love to be a source of some encouragement to you also. So, I’ve put together this graphic to share 10 ways to find JOY in this frazzled day to day that we are experiencing right now. If you click on the link below it should take you to a pdf that you can print out for yourself.
I know this is a super simple list, but I find in the midst of uncertainty or chaos is when I forget these simple things. And, the simple things are what I need more than anything. Feel free to share in the comments what’s going on where you are, or email me if you’d like. I’d love to have the opportunity to pray for you!
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