Disclaimer:- This is about my experience, thoughts and encounters. I am sharing this in hope that it would provide encouragement.
Now, how has this lockdown period been treating you?
I know, it’s been great! You’ve had time to focus on the things that you couldn’t do before. Eating at times that are more suitable to you and not having to rush. Spending an immense amount of uninterrupted time nurturing yourself. Learning and developing new skills and talents. Having quality time with your partner/spouse, children, family, friends or pets. Using your time to deepen and strengthen your relationship with God.
Ok, ok, I can hear you already saying… “yeah right”, “that’s what I thought would happen…” and so on.
I’m sure like me, many of you went into lockdown a bit apprehensive but full of ideas about what you were hoping to accomplish. That this time of less demands and outgoings, would free you up to chase other pursuits. However, personally I found that suddenly, my days were busier. It was filled with a variety of things from home-schooling and zoom meetings to trying to work out how/when we will be doing our next food/essentials shopping trip. It was filled with anxiety about what the future held not only for myself but for my children and the whole world. My time became more packed and more precious.
I was not doing anything for myself and I could feel myself starting to sink. The pressure of being at home constantly and only seeing other people (outside of my household) via a screen was really getting to me. I wasn’t having the expected lie-ins. I wasn’t binge watching Netflix or doing things that were fun for me. I was one of the few that was actually enjoying home-schooling. However, that still wasn’t about me.
Then one evening I had a rare moment of free time and even though the urge was there to watch Netflix. I took the time to focus on a bible study series I had started by Jennie Allen called ‘Get Out of Your Head’. As I watched and listened to her talk, I could feel myself being enlightened. I was receiving clarity and insight from God about my going into lockdown dreams and wishes. I realised that in my quest to come out of lockdown a different person. I became more busier than I was before lockdown started. God revealed to me that I needed to STOP.
Stop the noise of lockdown life. I became conscious of the fact that the outside world had become quiet, but I was not emulating that within my home. So, I needed to stop the noise in a holistic way, mentally and physically. I needed to regain peace over my life.
‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’
Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
However, I could not just stop the noise. I had to use that quiet time productively and for me that involved reCONNECTing to my creator; God, my family and friends. I also had to reconnect with who I am as a person as well as my given purpose in life. As I started to do this (as it’s an ongoing process), I could see myself GROWing, there were more revelations, inspirations and deepening of my faith in God. My understanding of what God wants me to achieve during and after lockdown was slowly becoming a bit clearer.
‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’ Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
I’m finding my new journey insightful. There have been many negative factors that have tried to hinder this process. However, I know and encourage you that from today for your own benefit…
STOP, CONNECT & GROW
Artwork by Nims for Mariposa Blessings 2020
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