I can honestly say that if it weren’t for the robust sermon that my pastor preached the last time we met in person, my L
One of my biggest lightbulb moments occurred when he referenced John
Piper’s “don’t waste” series (don’t waste your life, your time, your
cancer, etc.) Our pastor encouraged us to embrace this time at home—be
still, and figure out how not to waste this unprecedented time.
Well, I’m always at home. My office-based career changed when a
sweet-smelling little 8-pounder was placed in my arms. I come from a
long line of homebodies, so I have plenty of stamina for this time. But I
don’t want these days to look like all the others.
I started
thinking of my children, who are always watching (especially my little
one--anyone else have a Nosy Rosey?) This is a big deal, a historical
event, and something that will be talked about for years to come. It’s
my job to make an impact. What will they see over these next few weeks?
I want them to see me submit to authority. Regardless of our personal
feelings about elected officials, they have a huge team of highly
trained scientists giving them advice. They want success, and success to
them means a low number of deaths in our country. Now would be a great
time to consider
Hebrews 13:17 as a family.
I want them to see me
treasuring our family time. We’ve seen the jokes about how we’d almost
rather take our chances with this virus than have to teach our children
Proof Theory, but be careful that they don’t overhear you complaining
about having extra time with them. (
Matthew 18:10)
I want them to
see me acting out of faith-filled confidence. You know the deal—trust
the Lord and wash your hands. Hope for vaccines and medicine and good
health, but don’t turn any of that into an idol. (
Proverbs 14:26)
I want them to see me loving my community. I will be checking on my
elderly friends daily, and if they need food or medicine or even if they
just get a hankering for their favorite brand of gingersnaps, I’m going
to be available to them. (
Galatians 6:10)
I want them to see me
being resilient. This one is hard for all of us; even our most
extroverted and spontaneous loved ones still like their routines, right?
But no one’s life turns out exactly the way we expect (and if yours has
so far, then hang on). You know how you put an address into the GPS but
then ignore its directions for a few steps? What message pops up on the
screen? “Recalculating.” That’s what we all need to learn to do in
these days. (
I Thessalonians 5:18)
These are also days to relax
the rules a bit. There should be pajama parties, slightly later bedtimes
(don’t go crazy—kids need structure, and you need that time to spend
with your spouse or to take time for yourself), movie and popcorn
nights, and a lot of family time. Our grandchildren are going to ask our
children what this experience was like. Let’s plant some seeds (and
make some memories)!
--
Andrea (with gratitude and virtual hugs to
Pastor Chuck Parker)
