A Time to Keep

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven;

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace 

                                                                                                                                                                      The Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

In the last few weeks, our lives have drastically changed. Instead of getting the children to school or rushing off to work, we are now stay-at-home moms, dads and employees. Gone is the alarm clock, the morning rush, the pondering in front of our closets as we wonder what we should wear. Instead, we saunter to the kitchen in our pajamas so we can get the coffee going, turn on our computers, or get out the children’s assignments for the day. We’re checking our planners to coordinate Zoom meetings for the family, and thinking about what to fix for breakfast, lunch and dinner… again.  We are struggling with homeschooling children who do not see their house as a place of learning or their parent as a real teacher. Hopefully, as we enter week six, we have learned to be flexible and we are adjusting to what is now referred to as “the new normal”.

Or, we are out of work. Our places of employment have shut down until further notice, our small businesses are floundering, and we are wondering how we are going to survive until the end of the month, or if we'll ever return to work at all. Will my stimulus check come? Unemployment kick in? Will my landlord or bank be understanding?  Will my water or electricity be turned off? Do I have enough food to feed my family? I know, everybody just wants to eat all day. Will we run out of toilet paper?  It is all so overwhelming.

Despite the challenges, however, many are finding the silver lining. They are focusing on their relationship with their children and parents, and reviving homemade family dinners and board games to fill the time.  Couples are enjoying old movies and concerts and discovering things about each other that they had either forgotten or never knew. Some are developing crafts, from painting to pottery, from sewing to gardening. Many people are using the time at home for reflection: to journal, to write that book, to read more, or to simply reconnect with God through prayer.  While it is certainly a definite challenge in 2020, being forced to quarantine does have some advantages.

I am amazed at the creativity I’ve seen on social media and television regarding ways to reconnect while social distancing. I’ve been invited to online happy hours, karaoke parties, jam sessions, book talks, and play readings. I’ve seen talented singing groups create beautiful harmony from different locations. I’ve laughed at before-and-after quarantine memes, poking fun at how different we now look  or how much weight we’ll gain by the time the lockdown is over.  I’ve seen stir-crazy frustration as well as optimistic joy.

Who sets the tone at your house for how the day will go? If you are the mother or the matriarch, chances are, it’s probably you. Because you are the center of the home, providing the meals, supervising the activities, and making sure everyone is okay, you are in a position of tremendous responsibility. You have the power to make sure your home is filled with love and laughter and that this time of quarantine is also filled with wonderful memories. You have the ability to change anger into smiles and tears into hugs. When your children are whining and your husband is complaining, you can be the change.  Embrace it, as we have all had to embrace the new normal whether we wanted to or not. Let’s make the best of the situation. It’s up to you. It's time to dance to the tune of life!

Positive Things to Do During Quarantine

Which one will you tackle today?