I imagine all the moms everywhere declaring, “If I only had more time.” Calendar squares stuffed to the brim followed by requests for playdates, coffee meetups, and school events that don’t make it on the calendar add to the frenzy. Hope shines eternal when an unexpected gap makes its way into the daily schedule. But this is life before. You know “BC”–before the coronavirus. I can almost hear the collective sigh of all the moms as they realize their once full calendar is now empty.
I am well beyond the years of raising littles and trying to manage a daily calendar that would be better off imploded most days. Even still when I look at my empty calendar bittersweet feelings well up on a daily basis. The new-found blessing of extra time does not always feel like a gift. For many of you, the calendar is empty but the days are still busy. The learning curve is extreme as you fight your way toward an understanding of distance learning to help your children. Common core math is running rampant and as a parent, all you want to do is lean into the way it used to be with “carrying the one”.
Let’s pause today and explore this place of extra time.
Jump on the Bandwagon
It took me well into adulthood to understand my choices did not need to align with the choices of the crowd. As parents, we many times, set our eyes on the ones who appear to be doing it well. We follow their lead and find out we are nothing like them. Jumping on the bandwagon of busy based on other people’s choices is not the way we should go. Our already busy life becomes frantic and we hear ourselves saying “If only I had more time”.
I’m here to tell you that we do have the time. We have always had the time and we will continue to have room in our schedules if that is what we desire.
God has granted us a reprieve from busy that was not our choice at all, but His. He has taken a moment in time and pressed pause on how we conduct our daily lives. God cleared our calendars and at the same time made room for you and me to change how we go about our normal day. I find this is the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon of new choices. We are creating family memories of togetherness, new ways to complete math problems, and we have the opportunity to gather up these changes and carry them into the next season.
What Do We Do Next?
In January, God spoke the word “steward” into my heart. A word I wanted to pretend was not chosen for me. And now that we are in the thick of April, I am learning how appropriate the word “steward” is for you and me. Time is in the excess as we hunker down in our homes with nothing to take us outside the usual highlighted and dated squares on our calendars. Can I just share that I have goosebumps as I think of the goodness of God and how He orchestrated an unbelievable way for all of us to learn how to steward our time?
Maybe like me, after weeks of shelter in place, you have adopted a new rhythm. Mornings are not as rushed as you ease into your day. Maybe it’s as simple as staying in your pajamas well into the morning. And mommas of littles, maybe mornings still feel harried, but do you feel a hint of gratefulness that family times are just a little sweeter these days?
So…what do we do next? How do we carry out these newfound rhythms when our governors lift some of the current bans? Do we rush headlong into what we knew before or do we think twice before busy becomes our guide again?
I wish I could sit across the table from you right now and we could sip our favorite hot beverage and discuss what we hope our lives will look like from here on. We would laugh at all the silly things we thought about and did during shelter in place. Then our hearts begin to beat with gratitude as we lean into how God was faithful during this time. The truth of the hard and the sweet memories intersect as God reveals He was with us the whole time.
And God Says …
Let’s jump on the bandwagon of:
Increased quiet time with God
Keeping pockets of time free just because.
Holding onto new rhythms for our days going forward instead of letting our calendars rule us.
Pausing to discover the wonder of it all.
Thanking God for each new day even when it looks just like the day before.
And changing our status from “if I only had more time” to “I want to make time for you”.
As our country begins to ease up on shelter in place restrictions and slowly open up businesses, let's pause and answer the question, "where has God been faithful through all of this?" #TellHisStory #linkup Share on XAs we begin to ease into what’s next for our country and families, let’s take time to answer the question, “where has God been faithful?”
Would you be so kind as to share your answer in the comments?
Holding fast to the One who holds us!
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
I love the thought of contemplating where God has been faithful during this time. Thank you!
It really helps to bring perspective, doesn’t it? Thank you for joining me here.
Because of chronic lung disease, I always do better with a slower, quieter routine anyway. I also think because I’m an introvert, it’s not as hard on me to be at home like it is on extroverts. Since my husband is home now, I do try to be more flexible though. I think one of my greatest struggles is that I long so much to hug my kids and grandkids and visit with them face to face. My heart also aches so for so many who are suffering in one way or another. Thank you for these encouraging reminders to make more time for God! Love and blessings of strength and peace to you!
I LOVE the photo of the brook. I imagine myself sitting on the log and soaking in the sights and sounds of God’s beautiful creation that so calms me and reminds me He is faithful and in control. 🙂
My biggest struggle is not holding and hugging my grandson. I believe we will be able to do this soon. I am glad you are keeping safe even though that means extended time inside. Even though your life hasn’t changed drastically I know it must be hard for you as this is your way of life. I am praying God fills you with His peace and sweet love.
Mary, the loss of solitude has been an adjustment for me, as it seems to have been for others. I miss writing in an empty house, but I’m learning to fit in a few paragraphs here and there, and the thoughts keep coming. I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in my senior daughter’s response to her school year ending abruptly, and in how my husband has stayed well as he goes to his “essential” job every day. I’ve also marveled at God’s timing many times when I think of how stressful my life would be right now if my parents were still living at their nursing home, instead of being safely home in heaven. Wonderful post, my friend.
This will preach, Mary. Perfect lesson as we start to contemplate whether or not we will get back to “normal” soon.
Thank you, Lauren. I am praying continuously that we are changed for the better because of this time of isolation and uncertainty. God does his best work in the times of wilderness living.
Great post Mary!
I find this time relaxing & full of serenity when I focus on the Lord. Otherwise not seeing family & friends is getting a little hard but this too shall pass, we will meet up again!
It gives us a time of calm to be refreshed & rejuvenated for the world beyond CoVid19 knowing that God is already there & we can bring His calm & peace into a different world then we knew 😉
Bless you,
Jennifer
You said this so beautifully. You brought calm to this space with your words. I am embracing that God already knows and is already there. May we strive to move forward into a different world that sets God first before others. You are a joy to have here, Jennifer.
Hi Mary – Once again, you found a way to go straight to my heart with your words! They are God directed and inspired, which makes them even more special.
May you sense the peace of God surrounding you during these challenging times.
Love,
Karen
Hi Karen! Isn’t God so faithful in providing the encouragement that we need? I pray you also feel GOd’s presence and peace in your and surrounding your family.
I have still been busy, just having to adjust to doing a lot of it from home. I agree though, this is a good time to reflect and set new routines and decide what to carry forward. I have seen God’s faithfulness in a couple of instances where he has provided encouragement just when I needed it and in allowing two work colleagues and I to continue working together. It was unexpected but we work so together and I love that we have been able to support one another through this time.
God is so good. What a blessing to still be working with two of your colleagues and for much-needed encouragement. I pray we find some new routines that we cannot live without as we move forward. I appreciate you sharing God’s faithfulness in your life.
Mary, our schedule hasn’t really changed at all. I am still busy working from home and hubs has been finishing his he-shed! Our weekends are different but we seem to be thriving here in this season of our lives.
I’m glad you continue to have a regular routine. That is God’s favor. I pray you and your hubby continue to thrive.
Because of chronic illness, a lot of my schedule looks very much the same as before all of this quarantine began. And yet, my heart feels the weight of all of this world’s changing. So I continue to ask God to keep my heart from growing hard in the midst of it all, and to know the compassion of Christ right here. Blessings and love to you dear friend, as you share your heart so beautifully here.
I wonder if in the middle of it all your heart is undergoing change even if your physical surroundings aren’t. I am sure that God hears your prayers and He is using you to shine His light through your writing. Thank you for sharing and faithfully joining me here each Tuesday.
I’m definitely not going to run back into the fray once the restrictions lift, Mary! Thanks for this lovely reminder to make the most of our time holed up, as well as thinking twice about going full speed ahead when life tries to go back to normal. Hugs to you! Oh, and that common core math! I’m hearing an awful lot of moms out there complain about it! Lol!
I am glad to know you are thinking about what things will look like once restrictions are lifted. I have too much time on my hands because I have spent a lot of time figuring out what to carry forward as we move on. I hope and pray we choose to focus on God and let Him guide us through this. I was still teaching when common core math was beginning. Oh my! I am glad I don’t have to worry about that anymore.
Mary, I love the “bandwagon” list. I love the time with the Lord. I am not always faithful to draw near to Him, but I so desire Him. I have been listening to a few pastors online, including my own. I read the Word and pray. I have met online with my women’s prayer group each Monday on Zoom (had to learn that as well!). I have worked on projects around my house. But this period in our lives has given me food for thought and quiet for my soul. What is important? Prioritizing the importance of my Lord and Savior is key to my walk. Thanks for your good words here. (I have a friend who wrote that the worst investment she made this year was a 2020 calendar.!!!!).
Do you have anything you would add to the list? It sounds like you are choosing how to use your time and do it in a way that it is fulfilling. I also am trying to be intentional in choosing God first. I love that you stopped by and shared what was on your heart today. Many blessings as we move forward.
I’m one of those who always said I didn’t have enough time, so your post today is convicting – in a good way! 🙂
I loved what you said: “this is the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon of new choices.” May I choose wisely!
May we all choose wisely. I also have been guilty of saying “If I only had more time”. I am praying we move forward carrying much of what we learned into the next season. Thank you for sharing.
I spent 10 days soaking in the jaw-dropping beauty of nature. Each colorful desert vista (the flowers are spectacular this year), each feather on a tiny bird, each gurgle of water rushing over rocks, and each joyous song of a warbler reminded me that God is in control. He always has been. He always will be. It’s not my place to worry and fret. It’s my place to rejoice and praise him.
This is beautiful, Anita! What a wonderful respite to enjoy God’s beauty in such a memorable way. I will carry these words with me —> “It’s not my place to worry and fret. It’s my place to rejoice and praise him.” Thank you.
As someone who typically feels I never have enough time to do all the things I want to do, I appreciate the wisdom you offer us: “I’m here to tell you that we do have the time. We have always had the time and we will continue to have room in our schedules if that is what we desire.” It’s a matter of priorities.
I am grateful for God’s faithfulness in guiding me through Psalm 91 in this season with the Hide His Word group via Do Not Depart. God is really using my extra time in the Word with Him as a balm for my soul.
God has been showing me the importance of how we use our time even before the pandemic. I feel pretty strongly that we make choices as to how we use our time and it is a matter of how we prioritize things. I pray I use my time wisely as we move forward. Thank you for sharing and for reminding me of how sweet it is to remain in God’s Word.
So true, Mary! I pray that we all allow this moment in time to keep certain changes. Changes that will help us slow down and be a light and love for Jesus. That the positive changes that God has done in our heart will stay even when we aren’t having to stay at home.
That is a beautiful prayer, April. May we all lean into the good that we have established these last several months. May our time with God be our first focus as we move forward. I appreciate you.
God has been faithful in bringing His Word back to mind often, giving me just what I need as I read His Word, reminding me that He is in control, that He has promised to supply all my needs, and He has the future in hand.
He is such a good, good God. It sounds like your time with Him and the Word has been a place of reassurance and truth. Thank you for sharing.
I am enjoying the wide-open spaces on my calendar, I must admit. I am typically busy, so busy! I think God is telling me to let go of that business I usually wrap myself in so I can better hear His words. That’s a bandwagon I can jump on!
Great thoughts! I wonder if part of what God is hoping is that we all take more time listening and spending time with Him? Sounds like the perfect bandwagon to jump on.
I’ve always loved that word ‘steward,’ Mary! It’s something I strive for; stewarding God’s gifts His given me. I think the restrictions are still in place for sometime in my place in the world, although I did hear the golf courses might open a province over. Interesting that is the case! 🙂 I sell in a profession hard hit by the pandemic (all dental offices shut down), so the uncertainty is prevalent. Also my sister ‘n law passed away, and I couldn’t go see her. Through that though, God’s faithfulness did show up in unexpected but blessed aways, and I anticipate more is to come.
I’m in Ontario Canada and feel that I’m blessed to be in a good home while in isolation. Yes we can see God’s goodness in our little environment if we look close enough. Since freedom is still long time coming I’ve taken to being thankful for all his blessings. And they are many. As a retired teacher and an introvert I’m forever learning! I have had a lot of time to reflect on God’s Word and be more intentional about my devotions.
Welcome! It’s good to know you are safe and protected by God. I love knowing you are a retired teacher. I am too. May you continue to feel God’s presence in deep ways as you spend time with Him. Blessings!
I am sorry for your loss, Lynn. What a difficult time to lose a family member. I am praying now for those businesses hit hard throughout this pandemic and for a gradual re-opening of our countries so we do not experience a spike in Covid cases. I appreciate you and your weekly encouragement.
Mary, a lot of this has to do with our perspective, it seems. At the beginning of sheltering-in-place, I was completely overwhelmed with how to manage my once quiet days with all my guys home. We have fallen into a rhythm, though, and I am more intentional with my time. Getting used to not having any time where I’m in my home alone has been a big adjustment.
But God . . . He has been faithful in helping us to get along well overall. The sounds of the boys’ laughter as they share teen-boy things has ministered to my heart. Extra time with my husband has also been special. Movie nights, games at dinner during the week . . . God’s shown up in many different ways.
There is nothing better than teenage boy laughter except for grown boy laughter. 😉 God knows what we need and even though we give up one thing for another He is still in control and looking out for us. This time has been an adjustment for me too and I don’t have anyone living here with me. But His faithfulness shows up every day as I see His beauty on display and see how beautifully life continues in the middle of a pandemic. Thanks for sharing and being such a faithful member of this community.
Yes, Mary, I’ve been exploring what new rhythms, surprise invitations, unexpected routines look like.
I’m still trying to figure it all out …
😉
I hope you will share when you figure it out. It is a blessing to be given this chance to discover new ways to lean into God and honor Him.
Mary,
What a terrific post. Like you, I want to jump on the bandwagon of those who don’t let their schedules build up to the boiling point again. I think there have been some valuable lessons to be learned in all of this if we will only embrace it. Praying that I will be a better steward of the precious time God has given to me. Wonderful reminder this am.!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Hi Bev! Isn’t it just like God to give us a “word of the year” that is so perfect? Steward has taken on a new meaning as we navigate self-isolation and learn again how to manage our time. I am hoping that as we move forward I am also aware of how I use my time. Love having you here!
Mary, this is just beautiful. God has been faithful in many ways and places, none of which I could have been anticipated. I am so grateful for His grace and mercies and want to continue to see Him in all things great or small. Blessings!
I hope we all take the time to see where God continues to be faithful in our lives. Noticing Him in the great and small is a perspective changer that keeps me focused on what is important. Thank you for sharing.
My schedule has, in many ways, remained unchanged with homeschooling and all the routines of corralling chaos. The main difference is the loss of solitude. God is faithful even in this, for I will never regret time spent with precious people.
It’s interesting that you have lost solitude during this time, but I feel I have gained more of it. God knows what we need and in my world, the intense quiet helps me to draw closer to God. Thank you for sharing and being such a bright spot here in this community.