Let me first go on record and say that we as a family are taking the COVID-19 measures seriously, and that our hearts go out to those who are suffering from the virus or have lost loved ones, as well as to the medical professionals on the front line fighting to save lives. I certainly am not eager to lose family members or become too ill to be able to care for my family. I've been following the news, but I've tried to be careful to approach this pandemic situation with a mindset of hope, rather than fear, and to view this period of disruption as an opportunity for intentionality. (Romans 12:12) I'll be honest...I was (secretly) kind of excited when they cancelled school for the rest of the year. I know there are some activities and opportunities that we'll miss out on, but I love, love, love, having all of us at home together. I've always wanted to try my hand at homeschooling, so now I get my chance. Although I am saddened by the negative effect of the virus on families and businesses and the world as a whole, I am so very thankful for this extra time to spend with the people I love. I am also thankful for the technology we have that lets us connect and communicate with others, even though we are miles apart. Staying in touch regularly with friends (and even sometimes family) is something I struggle with on a normal basis, so I am thankful for the opportunity to step up my game, and be more intentional about reaching out to others via internet video chat, phone calls, or even just a good ol' hand-written letter.
There's an added perk to deciding to leave the metropolis and going to live on a farm: social distancing is pretty easy when there aren't many other people around. For the most part we can continue our livelihood, because farming is kind of an isolated career anyway. Lots of phone calls, but not that much person-to-person interaction. If the tractor will keep running, we'll be putting seed in the ground, maybe by the end of this week. In our case, isolation also means lots of open space and opportunities for exploration, for which I am very thankful these days. Also, our decision for me to be an on-the-farm worker/kid-caretaker (even though it requires a pretty modest standard of living) has made this transition to everyone being at home all the time a simple and low stress one. I am not meaning to brag here at all. I know that not everyone can make this one-income thing work. I know the "stay-at-home " thing is not everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. I do feel incredibly blessed
about this. I am a homebody and a hermit. I like being at home. I have three young children, a dual-career husband, a dog, three cats, a bottle-fed baby calf, a 3+ acres lawn and a 4000 sq. ft garden, not to mention lots of hobbies I would LOVE to have time to pursue. I've got plenty to do. There is never a dull moment around here. Just this past week, we've flown kites, blown bubbles, swung in the hammock, practiced potty-training, made gnocchi, planted some garden, had to fix BOTH the washing machine and dryer (Ok...I'm still working on the washer) AND we had a high-speed police chase go past our house (which is kinda funny, since we live on a gravel road that is not a direct route to anywhere). Yup...I'm good. Plenty of excitement.
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| 3 Peas in a Pod |
That brings me back around to thinking about the effects of the COVID-19 virus on our families and society, and the role I have as a Christian to love others, especially in a time of crisis. I've been mulling over the church's response in these chaotic times, and feeling a little troubled because if everyone stays home, then who is available to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need? Who will help meet the increased needs put upon our food pantries? Who will offer support to those families who are struggling both financially (in the midst of layoffs and work closures) and emotionally (from the toll of having to be educator, bread-winner, all-things-to-all-people, and stuck at home all the time in a society pervaded with fear.) It seems like this should be the time for Christians to be beacons of hope, providing resources and encouragement to our communities. But how to respond in faith without putting others unnecessarily at risk is the tricky part. I wonder if a lack of faith is making it convenient for me to just worry about me, myself and I. I feel selfish, enjoying my time at home when I know that others are struggling. These precious gifts that God has entrusted to me are important, but is God calling me to do more? I feel like there is a role carved out for me in all this, and that He has me poised in a place He can use me, but I'm not sure He's revealed my whole role to me just yet. So, I going to keep praying and trusting.
If you're in a similar spot, let me offer a little encouragement. I really feel like that's the best thing we can do for one another right now...encourage. Stay-at-home and homeschool parents...here is your time to shine. There are other parents out there struggling at how to cope with educating and entertaining their children whilst trying to work from home. You have tips, tricks, and resources that could be of benefit to them. If we can share the joys, failures and frustrations of every day life with each other, then I think we can help each other through these long days and weeks ahead. Hold out the candle of hope (1 Peter 3:15) to those that need it. I challenge you (and me) to make choices that will solidify that hope. If you feel helpless and need to do something, instead of buying all the toilet paper, try to pray. Instead of binge-watching Netflix for hours, how about cracking open the cover of your bible? Even with all the medical wisdom we have these days, we'd be silly not to continue to seek out and God and His wisdom. That reminds me of a story. On a trip to our local medical clinic some time ago, we were getting out of the car when Elijah asked, "Mommy, why is there a picture of a snake on the building?" I looked up, and sure enough, there was a large, concrete-cast symbol of a snake entwined around a pole. If you google "snake on the pole medical symbol" you will most likely bring up some info about the Greeks and Aesclepius. I am not a medical professional so I don't know about all that, but I do know a story about a different snake on a pole that brought healing, and that's the story I told Elijah. It occurs in the bible, in the first part of Numbers, Chapter 21, where God directed Moses to put a bronze snake up on a pole, and anyone who had a snakebite could look upon it and they would live. Through faith, Moses's snake on the pole was an emblem of healing. John 3:14 reminds us that like the snake and Moses, Jesus on the cross provides us a place that we can look to find healing and comfort. Maybe the best thing we can do in times of uncertainty, is to turn our eyes upon Jesus.
Once again, I am long and rambling. Sorry! We are coming up on Holy Week, so I wanted to sign off with a video...an oldie but goodie by 4Him. Happy Easter!
