Let’s face it—nothing like a pandemic of twelve plus months to turn our world upside down. Inside out. Emulsify what used to be a “normal” day into a choppy sea of gray uncertainty that oozes on, week after week.
Okay, that’s the dark, negative perspective.
How about a lighter, positive perspective? And yes, Virginia, there is one, albeit a bit challenging to discover at times.
The reality is there are many things we still cannot do as we did prior to 2020. For instance, one is well-advised to limit travel, wear a mask, wash hands, and social distance. And that’s with the vaccination.
And yet, I continue to read and hear of folks who find this new normal to be the impetus for some much needed change. A slower pace. Time for meditation. A new hobby or creative venture.
What if, fellow pilgrim, this is the perfect time to engage in that one thing [or more] that you’ve put off, ignored, or danced around for the past umpteen years for umpteen reasons?
Given, this wouldn’t be the time to race off for that ‘round the world tour’ you’ve dreamed about. On the other hand, what if you enrolled in an online travel adventure with a group of equally curious and optimistic strangers, some of whom may become a new best friend?
If being online is not your thing—and truth be known, many of us have had more than enough screen time in recent months—how about a great adventure around your neighborhood? Mask up, invite the single person who lives next door, and enjoy the season.
If a walk doesn’t tickle your joy-meter there are plenty of other options. Phone conversations, bird-watching from the back deck, writing a letter on nice stationary, all can refresh one’s spirit and be an encouragement to others.
It’s true there are some for whom these suggestions will elicit a big sigh and a shoulder slump for the most legitimate of reasons. “I have kids around all day . . . I’m working from home . . . I don’t have a back deck or a nice yard.”
I understand. As the saying goes, been there, done that. Nonetheless, of all the stuff this pandemic has taught me, there’s one truth among the grayness that was there prior to the present difficulties . . .
I can use anything, any person, any circumstance, any change in the weather, any ache or pain as an excuse to NOT make the choice to do that one thing I feel gently tugging at my heart.
Call it procrastination, fear, laziness, self-criticism, or any of a myriad other explanations, the bottom line is when it comes down to it, most of us struggle to make healthy, loving choices on any given day. Pandemic or not.
Nope, there are no easy answers. At the same time, I have learned one way to overcome the explanation ad nauseam syndrome: own my excuses for what they are, pray and ask God for the mercy and grace to choose differently—and then take the one, tiniest step to respond to that heart tug. And yes, that would be the nudging of the Spirit.
