One of the ways that psychologists teach us to deal with the stress of change, especially chronic change similar to what we are experiencing with the current pandemic is to view this change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. In an article on Psycom experts say,“The most resilient people see change as an opportunity rather than a monster to fear. Transitions in life allow us to consider our priorities. What really matters most in this world? How do you really want to spend your time?”
So slamming a 12 pack that you got through InstaCart was not your best choice. But you’ve probably already figured that out! Allowing anxiety to overpower you so that you yell at the kids and kick the dog, not good either.
Perhaps you need a place to unload your frustration, irritability and anxiety about your current situation and with the present quarantine, threat of disease, and fear government collapse, who wouldn’t? Then respond to this email. I am setting up weekly classes with only a handful of people per class to give folks a place to voice their concerns so they don’t wear out their partners and loved ones. And each week we will visit a new tool for coping with stress. I’d love to have you. Now back to renewing your view.
As you revisit your priorities, what would you like to do that you haven’t gotten to do before? Perhaps you finally have time to KonMari your house or clean the garage you have been promising yourself you’re going to do for the past decade. You can learn cook or speak Spanish. Perhaps you can establish the devotional life you always dreamed of but never took the time to focus on.
Here is a gem of insight from the mind of the amazing Blaize Pascal who says that God established prayer “to communicate to His creatures the dignity of causality.” He wants us to enjoy a taste of what it’s like to be a creator—the dignity of us self-esteem or pride of ownership of creating. By praying we can actually see something come to life that was not there before or see restored what has been scuffed up by the world and sin and shame.
Being made if God’s image we, like Him, enjoy watching things happen through “causality.” We like to cause or create things.
Through prayer we access God to act and bring about an answer, we still see how He has given us a part—a significant part—in ushering this specific answer into being.
My prayer is that you will see this quarantine not as an irritating “change” but a welcome “chance” to do what matters most.