They say 2020 will be remembered in history as the year of social distancing.  For some, we’ll remember phrases like “shelter in place,” “self-quarantine,” and the hashtag #stayathome, possibly even more than the rampant political chaos or the wavering status of our economy.  It’s a scary time – there’s no way around it. What two weeks ago would have seemed a sci-fi novel, has become reality. Kids using online programming to do school. Curfews instituted city-wide. Grocery shelves emptied of basic supplies. If we “go in the ditch” mentally, as my friend Stacy would say, we might find ourselves fearing we’re living a post-apocalyptic teen movie.  And yet, I think now is exactly the time we need to lean on time-honored truths to guide us in processing what we hear and see flashing across our screens.  Now, yes, is the perfect time to look for blessings during a pandemic. In a recent email I shared with readers, I talked about this interesting dynamic we live in, of the “now,” and the “not-yet.”  I’ll share here much of what I shared there, with a reason: I hope to give us practical, do-able, hope-filled thoughts, for how we can embrace the time we have in our homes – even as we long (whether we recognize it or not) for our true forever-home… the one where all things will be made right… in the presence of the Maker Himself.

We are not alone, and our need for help is not unnoticed.

Did you know – not one moment of our lives is a surprise to God. For some, realizing that even the difficult, unfair things were part of His plan is a hard pill to swallow. And yet, as I read through the book of Exodus again recently, I was reminded of just how small our perspective is, and how much good God is working even when we cannot see. So many times throughout history (and not just in the Bible; there are some incredible biographies that tell the stories!), when someone was walking through what seemed like a hopeless situation, God was preparing to make His goodness known in ways they couldn’t even imagine. Hebrews 11, too, is a powerful reminder that for those who are in Christ, not a single moment of life is wasted; a good, sovereign, wise Father is working out a story that is timeless. As we “wait” in this odd season, have you asked Him to make use of the time, to help you see Him at work?  Here are some powerful blessings I’ve seen during an unprecedented time in recent history:

• Kids are at home with their parents, many getting a much-needed break from crazy schedules or anti-biblical curriculum.
• Many Christian parents, now home with their children, are finding new joy in parenting and discovering in new ways how God wants to equip them to disciple the next generation.
• In other countries, laboring moms are being sent away as “non-emergent” from regular hospitals, and receiving care from ministries set up to provide both healthcare and spiritual nourishment.
• Families are cooking meals together, doing puzzles together, and sharing quality time.
• Neighbors are connecting in new ways because they’re less busy or showing kindness.

I’ll be super transparent here: I’m weary from reading all the conflicting viewpoints about viruses, vaccines, political bias, hidden agendas, fear-mongering, and on and on.  Whether it’s clearly inflammatory language being used by one outlet or another, it’s not helpful to “shout” at one another with our posts and our conversations and our opinions.  Ultimately, while we may be called to honor God and our government (as long as it aligns with obedience to Him), and while we may be called to stand up for injustice or yield personal comforts for the good of another, all is hopeless. Whether the actual truth is fuzzy or veiled, we'll be lost in a frenzy of fear if we don't trust that God is in charge, and He has a purpose for it all. #covid-19 Click To Tweet ​ ​   As much good as there is though, the intensity of community is also magnified as we find ourselves in close quarters. We may be delighting in the ease of friendship, or frustrated at how much a friend can hurt us. We may be shocked that marriage includes loneliness or in awe of how close we can feel to another human being. Maybe you’re exasperated by the weight of mom-life (especially during unexpected twists and turns), or blown away at the sweetness of time together when we’re forced to drop everything else and just be. Probably, your relationships with others fit quite a few of these right now. And just like this “hurry up and wait” feeling in our world, there’s a sense that we’re both in the moment, and waiting for a moment to come, in our relationships. My conviction right now is to be more intentionally HERE. I want to look for creative ways to serve and to grow personally, even if it may feel in some ways life is on hold.  On Easter, for example, my husband decided to offer a “service” of sorts for our neighbors.  We sent a text, invited everyone to join us on the street, and keeping our distance, we listened as he shared an illustration about how Jesus died so that we might know God personally.  It was amazing to look around and see families gathered together on the sidewalk and driveways, listening and being encouraged. So how about you? Is someone in your life right now demanding you maybe forgive, or confront truthfully in love, or press deeper in relationship? Who is challenging you to adapt, to be more patient, to be more courageous? What relationships are showing you clearly how God lavishes us through fellowship?  And honestly speaking, which ones are challenging you to trust that “HE’s got this,” even while you wait for what comes next? (And now soon, I’m going to be forced to learn a video game, which is my worst idea of how to spend three minutes much less longer, but because my kiddo assures me it will be “stinking awesome…” WHAT?!) ​

We can make even better use of our homes than ever, with a little attention to how we spend our time.

Home, and all it represents, are even more powerful concepts just now, aren’t they? And yet even as we hunker down, I’m realizing again that the “this isn’t our forever home” statement I live by is even more visibly true than ever. I want to relish the sweetness of my home – especially as we’re in it more than ever – but I’m even more determined to invest in what matters way past this life. So here are a few thoughts for ways we can do that right from within our four walls.

• Instead of plugging in the iPad or switching on the tv, read a book out loud together. (Yes, even by yourself or with your spouse!)  My son and I are finishing up the The Green Ember, and we’re SO excited to start the second book in the series.
• Write a real letter. On paper. With a comfy pen (this is my favorite pen for letter-writing and these are my favorite pens for getting artsy in letters, journaling, and Bible-marking).
• Try watercolor! You can buy a set from Target or Walmart for less than $5, some paper for about the same.  We really like Everyday Watercolor – a 30 day watercolor instruction book. It’s so relaxing!  We also love the online Watercolor for Kids course from Emily Lex – be sure to check out her other classes while you’re there!
• Make something crafty – & meaningful.  Crossway is offering these Big Picture Bible Crafts for free!
• Dabble in some new music. Spotify or Amazon Music offer playlists galore – This one is Shane & Shane and it’s a favorite.  I loved this list of Upbeat Songs for Quarantined Kids!
• Rearrange furniture. It doesn’t cost a thing, it’ll maybe burn some calories, and your home will feel fresh and new!
• Start a prayer journal. Use post-its to mark a section for praying for others (intercession), praying with Bible verses, praying for personal needs and growth… what other things do you pray for? If you haven’t been a follower of Jesus before, He will absolutely use a season of uncertainty to show you He is real and He pursues hearts – He’s just that kind. Ask Him!
• You know how you always wish you had time to read more?  Maybe now you actually do.  This list of free or discounted books is wonderful.  Here are a few more of my favorites:
  • Mama Bear Apologetics – I just finished this book recently in my Tuesday night group and I’m a believer that every person needs to read it!
  • All My Belongings – a fiction book from one of my favorite authors, Cynthia Ruchti.  I think Cynthia is where I first heard the term “transformative fiction;” I love that her books are an emotive read, with a forever-perspective.
  • The Chronicles of Narnia – Iconic series perfect for kids and grown-ups.  My daughter-in-law is working her way through them for the first time now!
  • George Muller – One of a series of biographies of missionaries our youngest son loves.
  • Refresh: Embracing a Grace-Paced Life in a World of Endless Demands – This book is encouragement for a woman’s heart!
  • Affordable Paleo Cooking with Your Instant Pot: Quick + Clean Meals on a Budget – This has been one of my favorite cookbooks; it makes healthy, budget-friendly meals SO accessible!
  • Fierce Women: The Power of a Soft Warrior – I’m a fierce woman.  I’d far rather go to battle over injustice than be quiet.  😉  This book has been such balm for my anxious and frustrated thoughts!
  • The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God – I don’t know why it’s taken us so long, but my husband and I have been reading our way through this slowly at night.  It’s deep, and it’s wise, and it’s so helpful in processing some of the less-fun parts of marriage.
  • Seasons of Waiting: Walking by Faith When Dreams Are Delayed – Well – you can probably tell by the title how appropriate this one is.
• Watch a documentary on PBS – there are 161 of them here!  (Don’t forget to discuss the views communicated in light of Truth.)
• Love your neighbors well.  I loved these suggestions from Justin Whitmel Earley for The Gospel Coalition:
  • Support small businesses: “If you can’t go to local establishments, buy gift cards from them online to use later. Consider getting takeout from local places when you’d normally go out to eat, rather than hoarding groceries. Spend money intentionally as a way of loving others through working to help sustain the economy.”
  • Feed and care for kiddos suddenly home, whose parents must work: “Wouldn’t it be beautiful if, in the wake of this crisis, our collective memory was of the church joining hands with its neighbors to serve the vulnerable?”
  • Gather together in safe ways, whether it be outdoors with distancing or in small safe gatherings or online: “Consider that this is an amazing time to experience and remember what has always been true: the church isn’t a building, but a people summoned together in the name of God.”  

Loving others well can still happen even while we are physically separated.

• I’m part of a monthly community-wide brunch & Bible study.  Our teaching team decided not to give up meeting regularly this month; while our attendees will have to make their own brunch (and oh, how we’ll miss being spoiled by our chef at the retreat center where my husband leads!), we’ll host the lesson via Facebook live video, as long as our tech works correctly.
• I help a friend in hosting a weekly Bible study in her home (we’re LOVING the book Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin, alongside Ephesians, this spring).  Instead of losing our momentum, we decided to meet via Zoom each Tuesday night in this season – and we’ve actually added to our numbers!
• When a sweet neighbor needed help with her kiddos because she works in the medical field, a student-teacher sent home from her last semester at school stepped in to provide a hand and help with their school day while mom is away.
• I’m finding I’m texting and using social media far more frequently as friends and connections both nearby and across the country, seek encouragement during this time.  Texting prayers and setting up phone calls is mutually uplifting and counters isolation and fear!

It’s my prayer that these thoughts are useful for you – I believe that we can truly can even find blessings during a pandemic.

Inspiring {fearless, love-driven} welcome,

-Angela

Want more encouragement? Katie shared some wonderful ideas on loving your neighbors from a distance at Hospitable Homemaker. Being at home might mean you can spend extra time working on your home’s purposeful design.  Here are some tips for you! Mike Frost shared awesome practical ideas to love your neighbors right now. If you’re ready to lean ahead and begin planning to open your home and bless others, here are four tips for purposeful home design (with a downloadable tool to help you).