With all the talk about sheltering-in-place, self-isolation, quarantine, and social distancing, I'd like to coin a new phrase.
One a bit more winsome, comforting, and calming.
Nesting-in-place.
With each passing day, more of us find ourselves, by law or mandate, having to stay in our homes except for a quick run to the supermarket, drug store, or taking care of a severe medical need.
And no, home is not necessarily a place of rest and repose these days, with the kiddos home from school, an unforeseen lack of routines, and all the crazy unknowns this new lifestyle entails. And I'm hearing that with more of us working from home, already challenging jobs have quickly morphed into seemingly endless, stressful 24/7 workloads.
Actually, because of my health I've pretty much been nesting-in-place all year. So this way of life is nothing new to me and I've come to embrace it because I've really had no other choice but to do so.
To accept what is. To be grateful for every good thing. To learn to still my spirit. To accomplish what I can with whatever strength I've been given. To know when to call it a day. To fully lean on Jesus every step, every hour.
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I'm puttering around more. Doing a bit of cooking here and there. This sausage tortellini soup is absolutely delicious and gives you plenty to share which we've been happy to do. And if you've been around here for any length of time, you already know how I feel about these decadent easy-to-make blueberry scones.I'm finding satisfaction in the simplest of homekeeping tasks. Cleaning up after a meal. Doing laundry. Flinging open the windows as I tidy up, make the bed, clean the bathroom ... or wield a dust cloth on a very rare occasion.
And in the caring for my home, this shelter in the time of storm, I find my spirit renewed ... and I feel His pleasure, glimpse His smile, hear His whispered, 'well done.'
For He is our ultimate shelter in the time of storm, isn't He. I'm so forever grateful He's the same yesterday, today, forever.
What's nesting look like for you? How are things on the homefront? Do tell!
Linda
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I chuckled at your nesting-in-place Linda. Reminded me of Its a Wonderful Life when George asked Mary, "Are you on the nest?" LOL Glad you are making a good thing out of what has become a very stressful situation to so many. Your approach works.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, on the other hand, is really chomping at the bit. This is HARD for him ...
DeleteNesting-in-place is kind of my routine in the winter, because the cold is too hard on my breathing. I have often been grateful I'm an introvert while dealing with chronic lung disease and having to avoid certain things. If I was an extrovert, I would probably go stir-crazy like some of my grandkids are already. Especially the social butterflies and those active in sports. Most are learning remotely, even our college students. One of my college grandkids says she learns better face to face than online. And another one said in her classes she now has to do more term papers, because they can't do their regular labs. I feel bad for all of them, but I'm sure they'll get through this. Because however this may distress them, God has a good plan for each of them. I'm glad you're getting stronger, Linda. Take care and keep puttering! :) Love and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Trudy, us introverts do much better with this kind of thing than extroverts who find their energy being out and about and mingling with others.
DeleteThis is an opportunity to learn more about grace and patience as we live in close quarters with those we love.
I'll start using your phrase too, Linda. I love the sound of nesting-in-place much more. Hope you are doing well and staying healthy, friend!
ReplyDeleteIt is a calming phrase, isn't it ...
Delete;-}
What a great phrase, Linda! I like it a LOT! You are so clever!
ReplyDeleteFor me, nesting hasn't been as peaceful or relaxed as it sounds like yours is. I feel more pressure from various directions in my life than normal actually. Some of it is because a blogger's life is never done ... especially since there are many who need our calming voice in the midst of this chaos. But also because I'm used to less cooking, and thereby, less cleaning around my home! Lol! With Gary underfoot as well, it's adding to my sense of being challenged and stressed. Not that he's a challenge! It's just, I don't take too kindly to people in my quiet and uninterrupted home office--other than my clients who schedule their times with me! Lol! Can you tell I'm an introvert at heart? But then there's my extroverted side that wants more face-to-face time with my local girlfriends too. Yes, I know! I need to count my blessings! If I did more of that, I'd be on the fast-track to restful nesting, like you! So I'll pray for you and you pray for me. Okay, Linda? Btw, I must have missed hearing about the health challenges you mentioned you're having. I'll pray for those as well! Hugs from afar!
So good to chat with you this week, Beth. You're right ... this is an opportunity for ministry, for calm voices, for listening ears, and hugs from afar.
DeleteThe work you do with marriages may never be more needed than now. 'For such a time as this ...'
I'll be praying for you along those lines, friend.
Ahhh, Linda. You're so right about the vast changes in routine. All three of my guys are home for now. We're living with a slower rhythm of life right now. I'm insisting the boys get outside daily for some physical activity. Sometimes I go with them, but they are at an age where they want the independence. yesterday I happened on a mom-win when I took them to a trail that had large boulders they could climb. Who knew that would make being outdoors enjoyable?
ReplyDeleteHopefully, they will be schooling at home in the next couple of weeks; their school is still setting things up for this. In the meantime, they are on their phones somewhat more, talking with friends, "vegging," and doing whatever else they do on those things. ;) I'm loving animated conversations at our meals and more movie nights together.
I loved what you said here: "To accept what is. To be grateful for every good thing. To learn to still my spirit. To accomplish what I can with whatever strength I've been given. To know when to call it a day. To fully lean on Jesus every step, every hour."
So beautiful, my friend.
How cool that this week is bringing great conversations at the table and more movie nights, Jeanne. The potential for families being knit together right about now instead of making each other crazy is possible and sure something to pray about and aim toward.
DeleteSounds like your attitude is positive, your spirit is high, your peace flowing. I'm guessing the guys are taking the cues from how you're doing.
Love that.
I really miss eating mayonnaise on the bus. It's not the same eating it at home. Or pickled gherkins or cucumbers. It is a while since someone on the bus reprimanded me for eating pickled onions; or the librarian threatened to throw me out because I had garlic flavoured food whilst reading the financial papers.
ReplyDeleteLife is not the same.
God bless.
And don't you miss the library, Victor? I feel like a piece of me is gone ... and all those books are sitting there just waiting for me to pick them up.
Delete* sigh *
Victor— you always bring fun and humor to the table. I would complain about your food choices too. I have a enormous sense of smell but fortunately, NEVER ride a bus
DeleteMayo? Pickled anything?
Delete* ugh *
This sounds weird in my head but.........my soul needed this. I am, by nature, a homebody. When I re-joined the workforce 16 years ago it was hard to adjust to. Over time I carved out a schedule but it never felt as "right" as an unexpected snow day or a quiet evening at home. I am embracing this "gift" of time...........cleaning those items way out of reach that acquired inches of dust, dancing in the kitchen with kids, making cookies, board games, training the puppy, sleeping late, staying up watching goofy movies, spontaneous science projects, and of course reading. I never got to be a stay at home mom for my 3rd child so I'm making the most of this!! Glad you're feeling better, Linda!
ReplyDeleteInches of dust. Oh yes, I hear ya', Valerie!
DeleteI'm so grateful your soul found something here that spoke to you. I love how you're embracing this unexpected season with joy and appreciation.
You're family is so blessed to have you show them how to do this well. Sending you my best this morning ...
Enjoyed this post so much Linda. Oh how I am learning all the more to Praise Him in the midst of the storm...He is worthy of our praise regardless of what is happening around us isn't He? I am still working PT. But I am blessed that there are only a couple of us that work together and we keep our distance and office is cleaner than my house probably at this point. LOL! My husband still able to work but work has decreased. One of my daughters, works in the dental field so her job has been cut until May. It surely is trying times and especially for people like me that is a HUGGER! Girl....I have to really work at refraining to HUG someone. LOL! So glad little tribe was able to visit the beach last Friday before it closed. It surely put a smile on my face. Our goal as a family right now is to encourage one another, help each other through this transition and to be a HOPE to those that have no HOPE. Whether it be a phone call, an email, a text or whatever. Praying for you dear Linda and I hope that you have a wonderful day. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteA hugger girl.
DeleteThat's cute! And yes, you're right, it'll be hard to resist when that time comes to meet and greet again.
Thanks for the reminder that we can choose to be hope-spreaders to so many that have little of it right about now. It doesn't take much to reach out, like you said, on the phone. That we can do.
Bless you, Cindy ...
Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteYou, too, friend. Keep writing that poetry!
Delete"Nesting in place" is a perfect phrase, Linda. Home is my sanctuary normally, but you're right ... adjusting to new routines and people around all the time has taken a bit of time. We're working on projects, external and internal, and I'm discovering ways that God has prepared my heart for such a time as this. There's soul work to be done, and I don't want this season to go to waste.
ReplyDeleteYes, He's always inviting us to something deeper, more intimate, more faith-stretching.
DeleteMeanwhile, I'm impressed that you have projects going! Do tell ...
I love your decor! I think when you are well and able to do it, you should share a house tour with us! I trust you feel better every day, sweet friend, and are soon back to complete health, in Jesus' name.
ReplyDeleteWell, thanks, Cheryl! I do some homekeeping posts here and there ... that might be fun right about now!
Delete;-)
I've made your blueberry scones, Linda, and would love to make them again. Produce, like many other things, seems to fly off the grocery shelves these days. I do like the phrase nesting in place. I'm with you!
ReplyDeleteWe have few supermarkets in our area. Toilet paper is still rare around here ... and sanitizing wipes and Purell are nowhere to found.
Delete* sigh *
I love your phrase, "nesting-in-place," Linda. It has such a comforting ring to it! Yep, that's exactly what I'm doing - a bit of cleaning, laundry, Bible study, and reading, enjoying our home, and getting out in the fresh air whenever possible (we've had so much rain!!!). Stay well, my friend, and stay happy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yep, I'm with you, Martha ... fresh air is like an essential these days ... even if it's only to open those windows every morning! Springtime comes late here ... and it won't come too soon.
Delete;-)
Nesting-in-place does make it sound nicer, though I'm not sure I'm embracing it yet! I'm discovering that while I know I'm an introvert, I value social contact way more than I realised! I have so many things I've wanted to do though but never had the time, so now I have the time I'm trying to get on and do them! I'm glad you're finding the slower pace of life refreshing. Hope you and your family stay safe!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, Lesley, we often don't appreciate what we've got til it's gone ...
DeleteMay God give us surprisingly creative ways to communicate and connect with those outside our 4 walls!
I absolutely LOVE the idea of nesting in place! So much, so, so, so much more positive and appealing. I, too, find joy in laundry, the peeling of potatoes, and making my bed in the morning. I’ve also returned to the telephone . Not a comfort zone for this lover of words, but important nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this lovely post.
I've always enjoyed your posts on homekeeping, too, Barbara! Caring for ourselves and our possessions is an essential part of who we are and it's always fascinating to appreciate how the simplest of tasks intertwine with our spiritual and emotional well being ...
DeleteNesting is not what I do,
ReplyDeleteand home is more a hootch,
blinds up, let the air pass through,
and the world can hear each pooch.
There's a pistol in my belt
for rattlesnakes and other things,
and for those who may have felt
that these strange days bring
the chance to take what isn't theirs,
and rough up those who might resist.
To them, I say, now, be prepared
to no longer here exist
in this world, however flawed,
for you're just about to go meet God.
Well ... what can say?! Except that my husband enjoyed your humor this morning
Delete;-)
Andrew - can relate to this:
Deleteblinds up, let the air pass through,
and the world can hear each pooch.
Which gets my pooch going until there is a pooch symphony
You guys would be lost without your 4 footed companions.
DeleteFor such a time as this, right?!
I have found this time to be a delightful respite in spite of the circumstances. I am the most rested I have been--perhaps my entire life. No stress of where I need to be and what I need to be doing. Putter--putter--putter---thanking God every moment as I recite this verse upon awakening!
ReplyDelete"This is the day the Lord has made--let us rejoice and be glad in it."Psalm 118:24
Blessings, My Friend!
You're an inspiration to us all, dear Lulu. Yes. It is possible to be serene and at peace in the storm.
DeleteKind of like Jesus in the boat as the waves rocked hard.
I'm glad you're here today.
Oh I love that, Nesting in place, yes it has a softer sound to it. I am reading a great book about missionary care and they use the term, compassion fatigue instead of burn out. I never did like the words burn out since it sounded like one could not come back from it but compassion fatigue carries the thought once one gets rested up they will be back in the saddle much wiser then before. Thanks for the good post, encourage my soul today.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I've been there with compassion fatigue, an apt handle that most ministry leaders and people helpers can fully appreciate.
DeleteI hope this season is finding you rested and well, Betty.
First off, I love your blueberry scones and so does my family. Second, I cantwaotto try the sausage tortellini soup. 😊
ReplyDeleteLife does not look too different for me. Less family time but more time to read, dig into my writing, and sweet devotional/prayer time with God. Stay safe my friend.
Oh another scone-lover! With a cup of tea in hand. Sheer delight right about now ...
DeleteWish you lived a whole lot closer so we could indulge together, friend ...
I love this image. One i will hold onto., thanks
ReplyDeleteOh Jean, I'm so grateful to hear this is helpful!
DeleteYou have a wonderful, peaceful attitude about "nesting in place" (I love that term). Actually, Bill and I were just talking yesterday. Other than our travel plans being canceled and not being able to go out to eat, our day-to-day lives are not all that different. We are both retired, so we are home a lot anyway. Your photo inspired me to go out and clip some forsythia for my table. Stay safe, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteYes, Laurie, it's been fun to clip an armful and watch them come to life, their sunny color shedding light on those gray days ...
DeleteMaybe I'll join you in heading outdoors today to capture some more!
I exhaled when I saw this post and thought, "OH, it's been too long since I had a visit with Linda."
ReplyDeleteI am also trying to focus on making the homefront as homey and as inviting as possible. That means a batch of whoopee pies yesterday. My reward was a great picture of my granddaughter with a chocolate face and a big smile.
We get to choose our response to this uheaveal, and even if that's a small thing in the moment, it may make a big difference in the long run.
It's good to see your smiling face again, Michele! And whoopie pies ... oh wow, sign me up!
DeleteI appreciate your gentle reminder that we get to choose how we respond to the serious upheaval that surrounds us. Focusing on healthy, wise choices empowers us to do the next right thing and slows up our oft' present default mode of hand-wringing, fear, and indulging in worse case scenarios.
One day, one hour, one minute at a time. Whatever it takes.
We trust You, Lord.
Well it seems I have entered an introvert’s paradise here and you are all loving the nesting. As an extrovert, I am a bit ambivalent about this home stuff. Not sure if it is working for me or not. I am very busy with hospital projects working at home and going to the hospital once a week as essential support staff. Our church was destroyed by fire so there is a real effort for all of us to keep in touch and walking the dog keeps me conversing with neighbors. I miss my adult kids is about all I am feeling right now.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, our Poughkeepsie friends have been hit with double trauma with the fire and then the virus. Tim and I are praying often for you all. Our hearts are there with you and we keep posted on the church's FB page
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Center/NewBeginningsCMA/photos/
FRIENDS- please pray for New Beginnings Church in NY ...
I like your term "nesting in place." I'm a bit of a homebody so I haven't minded the actual doing of it. Of course, I'm grieved for those who are sick or who have lost loved ones. But I also understand that God can and will use it all for good. I'm praying that many will turn to Him in faith and repentance.
ReplyDeleteTrusting God with you, Donna, that He will work good out of this massive tragedy.
DeleteHe is able ...
I have been doing nesting in place for quite some time as I too have many health issues. It is a way of life for me really, but still I am thankful for each new day, cooped up or not. If we keep our eyes and our hearts fixed on the Greatest Gift ever given, then we can have a good day come what may. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Sandi ... our health issues can be an invitation to go there, to appreciate our homes and every little bit of energy it takes to make them a haven of comfort and peace ... which go a long way toward lending an atmosphere of hope and wellness.
DeleteWhat beautiful post...Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're here!
DeleteFully leaning on Jesus is a good place to be. We are moving about the cabin and with our social bubbles that we've been in contact with since the beginning of our Covid restrictions in March of this year. Visiting from No Place Like Home...
ReplyDeleteEllen, your phrase 'moving about the cabin' makes me think that it must be the loveliest place to be!
DeleteEven though you originally posted this back in March, it's still very much applicable today!
ReplyDeleteMargie, yes! I couldn't resist sharing this with new friends I'm getting to know at Rose Chintz Cottage.
Delete;-)
Ahhhh yes, nesting in place is such a comforting term, Linda. Your soup and your scones sound wonderful. Trusting in Jesus is also a comfort, and of course, always prayer. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
ReplyDeleteJesus. Yes, yes, yes. He is our comfort day in and out!
Delete