Summer weather is here along with the easing of some restrictions from the COVID-19 crisis, and I am so happy for a new season in both respects! But I’m taking a cue from Emily P. Freeman to pause and reflect on what I’ve been learning in the past season, spurred on by her reminder of these wise words from Jan Johnson:
“It’s not the experience that brings transformation; it’s our reflection upon our experience.”
So even though there is much I am still processing, here are a few things I’ve learned or been re-learning over the spring:
1. I am way more extroverted than I thought!
My personality is pretty much a mix of introverted and extroverted qualities, but I still most readily identify as an introvert, needing plenty of alone time to recharge and feel most like myself. So when the stay-at-home orders first began, I was surprised at how much difficulty I had adjusting to being completely by myself. I have no problem doing things like traveling and going to the beach alone–I actually find it refreshing (and can’t wait to go again), but the staying home by myself every evening got too old and too lonely way too quickly. I’ve missed being more connected to the people and activities that are life-giving to me, and I’ve struggled more than I would like to admit.
2. I love seeing the creative ways people have reimagined what is possible.
On the brighter side, one of my favorite things about all of the restrictions has been seeing how creatively some people have responded. The first week that churches were not able to meet together in person, I spent practically the entire Sunday watching sermons and worship services for various churches in addition to the one where I am a member. Many of these had never had online services before, but they figured out a way to connect with people and share the message of Jesus Christ. I just kept thinking in all the variety and different styles or techniques, the one unifying message of the gospel was coming through loud and clear. And it made my heart smile!
I also loved how entertainers like Jimmy Fallon were able to shift to working from home and making it fun for all of us to get a peek into their lives while also having a few extra laughs. And John Krasinski started sharing Some Good News on YouTube, looking for the positive stories of people coming together to encourage each other in the midst of the crisis and multiplying that joy by sharing it with us.
Another of my favorites was how Annie F. Downs started recording a daily podcast with Eddie Kaufholz for a while just to help her get through the loneliness of quarantine and still be able to share with her listeners. It ended up morphing into a new show, Annie and Eddie Keep Talking, and their conversations have been helping preserve a bit of my sanity in this crazy season.
3. Technology is wonderful but exhausting.
I can’t imagine what these times of isolation would have been like without technology. Zoom calls for meetings, Bible study, and youth group connections have been so helpful for at least letting us see each other’s faces to stay in touch when we are physically distanced. And social media has helped us stay connected in some wonderful ways as well. But all of these have also been exhausting, as screens are simply incapable of recreating the true human interaction we need.
4. It’s easy to take simple joys for granted.
I feel like I try to be mindful of giving thanks for the little everyday things in life, but this season has made me realize I don’t do it nearly enough. Missing being able to hug people, worship together, go out to eat, or go to the rec center to swim or work out has been a challenge. And honestly I never would have thought how much I would miss something as simple as having plans on the calendar with something to look forward to!
But continuing to be thankful for present blessings can always help my perspective, whether it is health, a home, sunshine, or a walk outside.
5. New grief has a way of bringing up every past grief, yet there is a sacredness to naming it and walking through grief together.
Somehow all the extra time alone has put me face-to-face with the last six-plus years of grief. Even when we take time to work through and process our grief, it has a way of coming back around to make itself known. Yet over and over I’m reminded that we can’t avoid it or rush past it and instead have to go through it, allowing ourselves to grieve.
However, there is something about grief that also opens us up to the fellowship and comfort of Christ. The “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3) also came so that we may have life, “and have it to the full” (John 10:10). When we bring our grief and lament to the Lord, somehow it intermingles with comfort and even joy as we trust in Him. The process is not as simple as words can make it sound, but time and again I have found it to be true.
6. It helps to be reminded I’m not alone.
In addition to sharing my grief and struggles with the Lord as mentioned above, it also has been helpful to have other people share vulnerably with me as well. Annie Downs has been very honest about struggling with loneliness in this season, both on her Instagram stories as well as in podcast episodes. Somehow that simple confession is an encouraging reminder that I’m not alone in my feelings of isolation.
Seeing social media posts that other people have also been having a difficult time concentrating to read (something very important for me to be doing as I’m continuing to pursue my master’s degree) has helped me feel less alone, even though I still need to figure out ways to get through my reading and writing for class.
And friends willing to talk on the phone or even meet face to face from a safe social distance have been life-savers to me in this season! I’m so grateful to have those connections in the midst of our challenges.
7. God’s grace is always present.
This is a truth it seems I’m always re-learning. But I am grateful for new mercies every morning and grace that somehow surprises me in every circumstance. So I want to always keep my eyes and heart open to see and recognize the goodness of God. He is forever faithful.
This is also why I write Treasure Hunt Tuesday emails every week to share a bit of what I’m noticing. It does my soul good to reflect and remember, and I pray it can be a blessing to others, too. (You can sign up below to receive them if you’re not already on the list.)
I’d love to hear from you, too! What have you been learning in this season? Is there anything that has surprised you about the times of isolation and how you’ve been responding? How have you seen God’s grace, or where could you use extra prayer? Feel free to leave a comment or send me a message anytime!
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