Published March 16, 2020
By: Jackie Brindle
Don't Panic, it's fine, except it feels like I am experiencing this world through new lenses, and nothing feels fine. Perhaps you are feeling this way a bit too. Here are the obviously different things going on in the world, now.
1. Grocery lines are ridiculously LONG!
2. There’s a toilet paper shortage or at least a great need to buy it. (insert shoulder shrug emoji here… who knows why?!).
3. People are more aware that washing their hands is a benefit for everyone, in order to stay healthy. I think there’s even a dance about washing hands on social media sites, now. Clever!
4. There are school and job closures, which can mean a few things, but one thing is for sure, with a 14 day lockdown, ya’ll are going to lose your minds at some point! Especially people taking care of kids! Cheers and God Speed! #thestruggleisreal
5. At least, there is no shortage of coffee! … at least not yet. :) PHEW!
Truth is, there is a real illness out there that people can die from or have died from. That is the reality. It is sad. It is heartbreaking. We are going through all of these uncertain and unsettling times, together. I believe that together, we can also rise up from this totally changed for the better. I’ll admit it though, I have been easily crushed by the scariness of “the apocalypse talk”. Right now, I am learning how to navigate through those emotions by simply fixing my eyes on the GOOD. I am not saying, I am going to close my eyes to this new reality, because that would be impossible, but rather taking a step back to be prepared, not live scared.
On Friday, I went to the store in the morning. I felt the panic and utter shear fear around me that there wouldn’t be any toilet paper left in the world. True story! It was the talk of everyone in line around me. I waited in incredibly long lines, I picked things off the shelf, like canned goods --- that I know my kids will not probably eat, unless it was the last thing in our pantry. I also threw extra Oreos in there.... I am being prepared for anything! Especially, being a mom of three!
After shopping, I could feel the tension, the worry, the anxiousness start to rise up inside of me. I am not usually a worried person. I am one of those annoyingly optimistic, type of people, if you haven’t already guessed. I am the person that walks into work on a Monday and says, "Good Morning!" with a pep in my step (more from the two cups of coffee I had) and smile. I can tell I might be too much for some people. I am also a procrastinator, at it’s finest! So, the fact that I am even preparing for the scenario that there's a quarantine, is a win for me. Although, I can't say it was my idea to go shopping, it was my husband's idea. Regardless, after two stores I was done! It had gotten to me. I drove home with a headache and I legit felt sick to my stomach. I knew I needed to go for a run before the kids got home! A run to my favorite spot would help, so I thought.
The lookout area, is literally one of my favorite places to be. I craved peace! When I made it to the top, there I stood, staring at the clouds moving slowly amongst a sea of blue skies. There were so many thoughts, even then, racing through my mind. I could see for miles and miles, on a beautiful sunny day and yet, I was having trouble finding that peace. Usually, when I run, I talk to God, I listen to music, and I am good to go!
It didn't come that easy in that moment, standing on what felt like the edge of the world. Then these words came to mind. “Just Be Still”. It was in that moment, I realized I can’t see beyond today or even beyond this very minute. I am not supposed to. But I CAN choose to take a deep breath and trust that God is in control of it all.
I have two choices everyday. I can choose to fix my thoughts on the things that sky rocket my anxiety, OR I can look up! I can change MY view! I can change it by setting my mind on WHAT I CAN DO! What I can do, is be aware and learn about what kind of storm is coming our way, but not let it take away from the incredible view that surrounds me. I can be prepared for what might be the worst, yet I REFUSE to let this uncertain situation knock me over. I cannot, will not, must not because --- 'Ain't nobody got time for that'! Life’s too short and precious to live in spaces that are filled with worry and fear.
“Be Still and Know that I am God” ~Psalm 46:10
Therefore, I am setting my mind on the good, the things that makes my heart smile, despite my circumstances! Knowing that hope, faith, and love WILL WIN out every. single. time!
Call me a crazy optimist, but I am fully persuaded that God has the power to take all the things I or we worry about (small and big) and He gets to work! He is constantly working on our prayers because He deeply cares for all of us!
Friends, if anything good comes from this, it is the simple reminder that there is SOOOOO much to be thankful for!
Today, my family and I went for a walk along the river. We skipped rocks, laughed, and stood in awe of the river's changing waters, that guided our path. You guys, we can choose to enjoy watching a stone skim lightly across sunlit rippling waters or look down and miss out on seeing the goodness that's all around us. What would you rather do?
I hope these words encourage you to fix your eyes on things that bring you joy! As for me, I plan on enjoying a HOT cup of coffee every morning. I mean actually drinking it while it's hot and not getting distracted by rushing out of the house in the morning to go anywhere! I hope you, too, plan on enjoying your hot cups of coffee or tea in the mornings.
Slowing things down for a bit, being still, maybe not such a bad thing after all. Maybe you'll get to read that book you've been pushing off for years, make a fort with your kids, take walks, or SMILE knowing that others are helping others out there. I know it may not always be an easy task to settle a worried heart, but hopefully we can see that God is with us, through it all.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for this day! As we walk through this difficult time, I pray that you would be with us and helping those who are ill. Give abundant wisdom to the doctors, and others in the medical field to help stop the spread of this virus and other harmful illnesses. We need you Jesus, we need your love, peace, healing, and mighty sovereign power to stretch farther than what our eyes can see. I pray for protection around our families, friends, and for us all! Help us to turn our eyes to you when we are worried, so we can experience your peace and joy in each day.
~In Jesus name,
Amen
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