Peace During a Pandemic
Forget cancel culture. This is cancel season. School – canceled. Work – canceled. Sports seasons – canceled. Family reunions – canceled. Church services – canceled.
In this short time of cancellation and social distancing, I’ve asked myself three questions: 1. What’s necessary? 2. How do I live with more intention? 3. How do I strengthen my faith? These questions help me reset, remember what matters, and find peace during a pandemic.
What’s Necessary?
At the beginning of the year, my husband and I took a financial assessment of our spending habits. We wanted to see how we can operate our household budget leaner. So, we set a budget, connected the budget to our bank account, and now we see where our money goes, and we save more money. Now we only spend on necessities.
Social distancing also makes me examine what’s necessary, particularly when it comes to my family. We’ve been more intentional about what happens when we’re home together. Just a week ago, our time together included breakfast before school and dinner and homework after school. After homework, it was sports practice or scouting. This left very little time for us to relax and spend hours talking about what matters to us.
We’ve always wanted to raise chickens together but thought we’d never have time. We bought some chicks just before the social distancing recommendation. We’ve spent time in our vegetable garden together this week. The kids even created slide shows on topics they wanted to learn about and presented them to the family. I hope that this necessity, more family time together, continues!
How do I live with more intention?
Living with more intention means I take greater responsibility for my choices. This intentionality is not based on what society expects from me, but what God requires of me. Intention requires active participation.
I am currently completing a historical fiction book that is based on the life of my fifth-great grandmother. As I reflect on her life and legacy, God has given me greater purpose and a reason to serve with greater intention. Through this book, I am understanding what it means to intentionally do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
How do I strengthen my faith?
My faith in God always precedes what’s possible. Therefore, this is a great time to strengthen the faith that tells me that all things are possible. What better time to strengthen faith than when social distractions are limited!
I now meditate deeper for a greater sense of peace. I’ve even found some new mediation music to enjoy! This deeper meditation draws me closer to God and strengthens my faith.
Also, during this unprecedented time, I’ve changed some of my practices too. I now pray more global prayers. The concept of ubuntu has a deeper meaning during this time, and my prayers reflect this. According to my son Henry, “If we pray as much as we panic, we’ll be alright!” Prayer strengthens my faith!
Dear God,
You are the creator and sustainer of this world. Thank you for the time you give for reflection. As we spend more time with you, you reveal a little more of your mystery. Lord, go with everyone affected by pandemics, loss, grief, and pain. Envelop their feelings with love and grace. Reveal what it means to draw closer to you. Reveal what it means to love our neighbor. Reveal what it means to experience your goodness. Equip us with tools to do your will. Lord, you get all the glory and all the praise! Amen.
I created a playlist to keep us encouraged!
