It’s starting to look like this long “vacation” might soon be over. That may depend on where you live, where you work, the state of your health, and other factors, but wow, it’s been a long few weeks, hasn’t it? Do you think we’ll ever take “normal” life for granted again? I’m sure going to try not to! How are you holding up?
I’ve been trying really hard to count our blessings during this time. To look for silver linings in the difficult circumstances. And I’ve found quite a few:
I’ve never appreciated the Internet so much. I’m not sure how we would have fared if we couldn’t have Skyped and Zoomed with loved ones, attended church and Sunday School online (one in Missouri and the other at our former church in Kansas!)
I’m so grateful that my husband and I both work from home. We’ve been able to keep up with our jobs from home—right where we need to be, and I’ve never appreciate that so much.
I’ve been reading a lot more than usual. As a writer, part of my job is to read widely—for research, as an editor, to know what’s out there, and to learn and grow as a writer—but it has been wonderful to do more reading for entertainment. For the sheer joy of it.
Our house has never been so clean! Not only have we wanted to keep the germs at bay, but since we’ve been home almost 24/7, it’s more pleasant to be in a clean and tidy house…not to mention I haven’t had the usual excuse of not having enough time! Not only are the usual cleaning tasks done, but I’ve cleaned out drawers, organized closets and cupboards, rearranged furniture, sorted items from our move for a garage sale (can’t wait till those start up again!)
I’ve also done some fun little craft projects. That’s not something I’m usually very good at, but I’ve had fun making garlands and other paper-goods projects, painting a little wood stool, and planting my flowers for the spring.
Probably the biggest sanity-saver has been hiking and riding bikes with my husband. I’m so very grateful that the state parks have stayed open in our state for day use. Yesterday we rode our e-bikes in the gorgeous Trail of Tears State Park along the Mississippi River. It’s hard not to believe God has everything under control when you’re out in His glorious creation.
I’d love to know what you’re doing during this difficult time? Have you found silver linings in the midst of the trial? And if you’re one of the heroes who are working long hours to keep things manageable for those of us who work from home or need to stay home, thank you! I hope you feel our appreciation and respect. We truly couldn’t do this without you!
I’m praying hard that the next time it’s my turn to blog here that we are all on the road back to normal—and I trust that we’ll appreciate whatever normal has been for us just a tiny bit more than we used to. God bless and keep you in His loving care.
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The ambience of your home is clearly conducive to inspired writing!
Thank you! I think if I could have a second career, it might be in interior design. 🙂
Love the pictures you’ve shared. Thank you always for your positive posts. Your view of the Mississippi is gorgeous!
I’ve been doing yard work when the weather permits, reading, and organizing things a lot more. It’s been good to have this time to slow down. I think God knew things were getting too crazy in the world. Take care!
I agree, Betty! I have seen the Lord bring some really good things out of this time! Families growing closer, people re-evaluating their busy lives now that they have time to THINK, creativity blossoming in children and adults alike because they’re not distracted by the go-go-go that was their life. I think God has given us some gifts through this time and I’m trying to be grateful every minute!
Your house looks gorgeous! Those pictures are lovely.
I have been writing a lot, and I have got time now to use my sewing machine to finish all those half-finished projects. And I got time to start playing the piano again! (I had stopped when I was 8 or 9) Sometimes I want more of the holiday! (Though on second thoughts, it had better be as short as possible.)
Ah, that’s one of my dreams, Anna! To play the piano again. We haven’t had a piano for about 8 years and I miss it! I don’t play well, but I enjoy playing (mostly by ear) for my own enjoyment. Glad you’ve used the time so enjoyably!
Your article uplifted me. ❤️ And what a beautiful home you have. It makes me happy just to look at it. This is my third week of being furloughed from a job I have worked for 27 years. I am 60 years old and have worked since I was sixteen. This has all been so strange. My husband and I have started working in the yard before the Arkansas heat sets in for the summer. I have started walking every day. And I have cooked more in the last month than I have in our 35 year marriage. It will all be okay. I pray. Thank you.
It’s quite a change, isn’t it? I love that you’ve cooked more in the last month than in all your marriage! I’ve seen SO many people talking about making bread (and how much weight they’ve gained from all the cooking! We’re in danger of that too since I’ve been making more desserts than usual and no one can come help us eat them! But yes, God has this all under control for His children!
I just posted a comment and when I pushed send I noticed that it autocorrected my name. My name is Mart Wilson. ❤️
That’s weird! I’ve never heard of autocorrect changing a name! Thanks for setting the record straight! 🙂