We have endured so much change in the past few months. And in the midst of all of the fear and frustration, if you can believe it, I have actually encountered folks who feel guilty for feeling stressed! They say things like, “No one in my family is on a respirator,” or “They cut my hours but I didn’t lose my job,” or, “I lost my job, but at least I am getting some money towards my bills from unemployment, so I shouldn’t feel anxious.” While I applaud their valiant effort to recognize things could be worse, a global pandemic with social distancing, employment loss, and economic uncertainty is going to stress us out! And we don’t want to stuff those feelings.
Experts tell us that rather than ignoring our feelings, we need to take an honest inventory of our disappointments and challenges and meet them head-on with new ways of thinking. Sounds a lot like Romans 12:1-2, doesn’t it? Psychologists may be loathed to give the Apostle Paul credit for stating this first, which doesn’t change the truth.
In an article in the magazine First for Women, several suggestions are made to truly think differently rather than to simply “put on a happy face.” For example, you might find yourself disappointed that you couldn’t execute your stellar plans for your teenage daughter’s totally themed birthday party. Instead of circling the drain in discouragement, pat yourself on the back for organizing an amazing car parade with all of her favorite people. So, in essence, instead of ruminating on what you can’t accomplish, relish in what you do get done and celebrate it!
This article, to my delight, offered a way of dealing with loneliness: Connect To a Higher Power. (It said that, really!) I have noticed that the deeper we get into challenges of Covid, the more I see writers who don’t claim to be faith-based, looking to faith for answers.
This particular article quoted Max Lucado’s book, Anxious for Nothing (I know, right?) “Pastor Lucado explains that gazing at a vibrant sunset, walking below towering trees, or simply listening to beautiful bird-song—can help us feel connected to a higher power and remind us that we are not alone. “For me,” Lucado states, “God’s love is reflected in the beauty all around us—and experiencing a sense of awe opens our hearts to that love and helps us feel that moment is just for us.”
I am excited because these words are valid, and even more pleased that were shared in a publication that reaches people who normally wouldn’t hear this powerful truth. Have you noticed more and more folks leaning into God in this challenging time? If any good can come from these past few months, discovering a resilient faith can be a welcome takeaway when you compare a few short months with eternity with Jesus, don’t you think?