So, if you are anything like me you are ready to have dinner with friends, go to church (the building, that is, since we are the church), take your kids to their grandparents, stroll through Target aimlessly for an hour…okay, you get the picture. Life is different right now. That may be the greatest understatement of the year, I know. It is easy to become frustrated. It is easy to sink into the deep, dark space of feeling alone. It is easy to lose track of the last time your kids bathed. Only me? You get my point.
Do you feel overwhelmed? It’s okay. Some days I do too. This season is new for everyone. And it happened pretty much overnight. Here’s what I have found that helps. We don’t have high expectations…of ourselves or others. We give grace…a lot of grace. We take breaks from our work and each other. We take walks. We watch movies. We cook and eat dinner together at least five nights a week. Y’all, that has never happened in this house. Ever. We share our feelings. We laugh. We cry. Sometimes we do both in a matter of minutes. 🙂
To sum it all up…we live one day at a time. We roll with the punches. Listen, let me be honest, there have been a couple days where it would have just been easier to stay in the bed. Those are the days I have to push harder to get up, take a shower, and do things. Any thing. When you’ve struggled with depression you know triggers, and let’s be real, your world being flipped on its head (in what felt like minutes) can certainly be a trigger!
I am a people person. Like, I miss people more than anything. I can give up having my nails done and a shopping trip to my favorite boutique, but people? I am struggling. Anybody with me? Let this be an encouragement, this is only a season. This is not forever. Honest question…have you stopped long enough to ask God what He wants to do in and/or through you during this season?
Just like the four seasons that each have their purpose, the seasons of our life have purpose, too. I believe, for me, this season is about slowing down. It means connecting deeper with my heavenly daddy and seeking what He has for me next. It means enjoying my husband and my kids. Do you want to know the truth? I don’t remember the last day I wore pants that didn’t have an elastic waist, or the last time I put on a full-face (you know, the whole works). That’s okay. I am choosing to slow down. To learn from this season. I’m learning to listen. I’m learning how to hear. Two very different actions.
I encourage you to stop worrying so much about what does or doesn’t get accomplished in a day. Take the walk. Play the board game. Plant the flowers. Don’t shower or wash your hair if you don’t feel like it. DO slow down and enjoy this season. It will be over before you know it.
Warriors and Ashes 