Like many churches, ours (Burt Avenue Wesleyan Church) has Sunday services on line. They are also starting a Tuesday Bile study (details on their Facebook page). With this current virus situation, we need all of the encouragement we can get. That is why I thought, this post might come in handy.
I don’t know about you, but I am not one to be stuck inside day after day. Honestly, I think there was one day when I didn’t get outside. Others, my wife, Crystal, and daughter, Lisa in particular could probably live in the house for weeks at a time, with no ill effects.
I am just not that kind of homebody. On good weather days I golf, walk, shop, garden, or visit a neighbor (at a safe distance). Others are out as well. I see very few who seem downtrodden or sad. In fact, many people I come across seem positive, even happy. Most seem to know that, like many things in life, this is just something we will have to get through and do the best we can.
Never underestimate the human spirit or ingenuity. That is the point of this blog. As you pull out your few remaining hairs, or cry about what to do with your kids at home, I have a few suggestions. First, with your kids, be creative. Plan non-school activities every day. Walk, drive for ice cream, play catch, or even have them help in the kitchen. Use this opportunity to teach them some life skills. I saw a picture of my three-year-old granddaughter walking their dog (supervised of course). When we homeschooled, some years ago, I bought a science project kit with over one hundred experiments. It was a big help, and a lot less boring that regular school work. For physical education I made an obstacle course, with things around the house, and some playground equipment.
Finally, take this opportunity for me time, and personal growth. Remember what they tell you on the plane. Put the mask over your own mouth first. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to help anyone else. So, get enough rest, stay active, plan and achieve goals, and in general realize and take care of your needs.
I have taken this time to finish editing our book and write a few extra posts for this site. I also am taking some on line courses, which I thought I would pass on. One of my weaknesses has always been learning language. I am currently working a little every day to learn German. I still have a few relatives over there, and if anything I’m learning sticks, and we ever have an opportunity to visit, it could only help. The free course I am taking is through Duolingo. You can learn any language for free. You can spend as little or as much time as you wish, doing simple exercises, on a daily basis.
I am also taking some inexpensive courses to become better at photography and social media book promotion through a company called Udemy. When on sale (wait for their sales), you can take a course on numerous subjects for less than fifteen dollars. Of course, you can also learn a lot on YouTube for free. There are home projects, friends to connect with, cooking projects, exercise programs, job skills, virtual book clubs, organize your photos (coin, stamp, card, etc. collection), pod casts, etc. The list goes on and on. Also, believe it or not, there are still people less fortunate than you. Is there someone you can help? Can you be a blessing to someone?
The point is, and this is a life lesson, every problem is also an opportunity. This type may never come again. What you focus on only gets bigger. So, focus on the opportunities, and let God take care of the rest.
