This post is a deviation from my normal pattern of writing. Normally, I would share a photo of nature and offer prompts for contemplation. But these are unusual times for the United States, and even the world. Never before in almost 250 years have we been subjected to such uncertainty and chaos. So many things we have counted on for stability and security ARE GONE.
Personal Story
Did your world just fall apart? Mine did. I was literally on my way to a new life in a new state, looking forward to a new president about to begin HER tenure – when the unthinkable happened. The worst president in U.S. history won the election for a second time! I was devastated. Nine months later, I still can’t believe it happened. And since then, there has been so much destruction, it’s unbelievable.
Puzzle Pieces in a Pile
Sometimes we feel like the jigsaw puzzle of Life was dumped in a pile on the table, and the box with the picture was taken away. How can we go on, with no map, no structure, and uncertainty on every side? It is some comfort to know that we are in this together. Hopefully, we can help each other find the pieces and put our country back together again.
Start here
One thing I do when starting a puzzle is find all the edges. Seeing the patterns in the edges will lead to finding the next level. We need to seek for wisdom to know what the “edges” could be for us in this time. Maybe we can find one thing to do or say that will move us along, even just a little bit. What is one “next thing” you can do? Wait for the answer, then just do it.
Self-Compassion
Normally, I don’t get specific with recommendations, but this is already a different post for me. So here goes:
Lesson from grief workshops: Get outside and realize the sun is still shining, and the birds are still singing. Journal every morning – write whatever is on your mind. It doesn’t have to be great writing, just write. (Some say write for 20 minutes, or write 3 pages.)
Lesson from traumatic brain healing: After a head injury, it’s like the file cabinet tipped over and all the files are mixed up. All the information is still there, but it can take a long time to put it all back in its proper place. Be patient with re-orienting yourself. (I have found that I’ve had to do this after moving to a new state last year. Culture shock is real.)
Find something you CAN control: Organize a drawer or a shelf, clean something that you’ve been putting off, you get the idea. You will feel better for at least a few minutes.
Join a group of like-minded people. Support each other. Pray for each other. Do things together.
We can all Pray
I will pray for you – will you pray for me? Let’s pray for the return of sanity, pray for protection of so many vulnerable people, pray for a restoration of order in government. God is listening. May you be aware of God’s presence as you seek to find how to live in these times. Please share your thoughts with us.
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