We’re over a month into this quarantine and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t SUPER eager to hug and sit across the couch from my friends.

But…

I’m also not upset about the simplicity of our schedule (though we miss gathering with our church), or a break from the mental gymnastics it sometimes takes attending all the things with an 8 month old, or the extra time spent at home as a family.

Heartbroken over the pandemic. Yes.

Saddened with those who are grieving losses. Yes.

Disappointed by cancellations of large group gatherings I look(ed) forward too. Yes.

Earnestly praying for the end of this virus and the health of loved ones near and far. Yes.

---

We will eventually resume our normal schedules, commitments and plans, and it’ll be great! But it’s very easy to fall into a rhythm of life that costs you what is important to you. We all determine what our priorities are; mine will look different than yours. This last month has reaffirmed what is truly valuable to me: margin for my whole being to love and know Jesus, deep friendships and cultivating a joyful, hospitable home.

Basically, this season has renewed my zeal to battle against the tendency to live hurried, soul-overwhelmed and stretched unhealthily thin.

A few thoughts rolling around in my brain…

If a packed schedule — day, week, or month — repeatedly cripples my communion with the Lord and my family, it is costing too much.

Our homes are tools useful for the kingdom of God, but they are also the environment we spend most of our time. Being on our quarter acre lot these past few weeks has made me realize how much better I function when our major living spaces are neat. I’ve also been reminded how our greatest ministry is between our own two feet.

“Our Christian homes become little outposts of God’s kingdom––small embassies where his Spirit reigns and rules. Christian homes are ridiculously powerful. They’re powerful because natural affections take on supernatural love. What’s “normal” in a Christian home actually reflects the ultimate norm of who God is and what he has done!”

Abigail Dodds, VIA

And, I dearly miss having people in our home, sitting at our table, eating dessert playing a game in the living room. Wowza. I’m ready.

Screens are easy entertainment for me, they can be helpful or hurtful, relaxing or draining. I don’t want to lose the real refreshment found in 5 minutes sitting on the front steps. I really dig White Collar and a good sports movie, but I don’t want to forget the intimacy cultivated in my marriage when we do something fun together that doesn’t involve the tv. Also, my soul simply feels better when I’m not spinning the plates of all the things I’ve read and seen online.

We all know meaningful relationships require time and intention. If I’m so occupied with what’s happening in my bubble that I miss the chance to pursue, care for or cultivate deeper relationship with someone, my self-absorption might be costing me too much. (This season requires more intentionality to call, text, FaceTime, Marco Polo, and I am here. for. it.)

In her latest book, Beth Moore writes, “None of us can do everything. None of us can please everyone. None of us has access to more than twenty-four hours a day or to more than seven days a week. By God’s design, these mortal bodies are fraught with limits and bound by certain natural laws. If we don’t eat, we starve. If we don’t sleep, we die. If we don’t ever stop, we drop. If we abandon what we’re doing to answer every text, we’ll never finish any significant task. None of us is the exception. None of us can do a thousand things to the glory of God, but we can do several. When you’re on your deathbed, which ones will you want to have chosen?”

---

Has shelter-in-place revealed anything unique in/for you? Has it prompted any new desires or habits? I’d like to hear about them!