Part 3
by Renee Christensen
It took me a few days of CRAZY before I realized I sure could use some form of routine during this stay at home season! I say crazy because that’s pretty much what it felt like! One moment life is going one direction; most likely planned that way. Even though busy, it makes sense and gives you purpose. Then all of a sudden you are adjusting to a new “normal,” one you did not plan and don’t completely understand.
After the shock, confusion, fear, and anger were processed, I found I didn’t know what to do with myself. Below are a few activities that I sprinkle into my day to help me keep balance in my new uncharted life. I sure hope you will be blessed and find a few things to inspire you on your journey as well.
Connect with Others: With new “social distancing” guidelines in effect, one can feel isolated in a hot minute; yet I’m surprised to find that I am really enjoying it after all. Who knew? What an unexpected blessing it has been to just hang out at home with my family. We play games, watch movies, work on projects, bake, talk about all kinds of things, and eat meals together!
To stay connected with friends and family outside of my home, I am grateful for social media, phone calls, and texting. I’ve even been able to do some Zoom meetings! I’m planning to sit and write a few cards and letters to drop in the mailbox too. FaceTime is a blessing; seeing the faces and hearing the squeals of my grandkids in real time. I can’t wait to kiss those cheeks and squeeze those kids when this is over!
Quiet Time: With our busy schedules, it can feel overwhelming to make quiet time with the Lord a daily habit. To be honest, because of busyness, it can feel like an obligation that you are failing at. Well we now have the gift of time indeed. There is not a right or wrong way, the goal is to connect with your Father. He is waiting to meet you there; to fill you with the love, encouragement, peace and hope you are in need of for the future.
It doesn’t have to be the same every day. Mix it up with prayer, scripture reading, devotionals, journaling, sitting and listening to what the Lord wants to share with you. Soaking or worship on YouTube is always a great option as well. This will bring peace and balance to your day.
Exercise: Move your body! Get outside if you can. Take a deep breath of fresh air and walk around your block, do some floor stretches, watch an exercise video on YouTube. Be creative and move your body! I find this gives me a boost of energy and motivation in my day.
Organize: I know I tend to feel overwhelmed with all the areas in my house that need organizing; always too busy to get started. Well, I can’t say that anymore! Do you know if you choose one thing to do every day, you will come out of this season with that “To Do” list ALL DONE!
It’s really a small task to look at one area or project instead of the whole house. Maybe it’s a cupboard, a closet, a room, the garage, a stack of papers on a counter. Get started! If you tackle one thing every day or two, you will feel so accomplished and motivated. Before you know it, you will win this battle!
Create: I know God has given you gifts and talents, hence a desire to create! What a blessing to have the time to do something you enjoy. Creating brings me so much life. If you are not sure about your creative outlet, try out a few different options. Maybe it’s writing, cooking, baking, sewing, painting, coloring, building, wood working, an instrument, decorating…the list goes on. I hope you find something you love to do and make time to do it.
Be encouraged. I believe God wants to connect with us and minister life into us during this unprecedented time. Rest in Him; we don’t want to miss the blessings He is offering us. I declare that we will come out of this season better than we went in!
the grace element 