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 Loopy Factor would be substantially higher than today’s meter is registering.
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)
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)
