See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up,
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
Here I am, dear friends, bleary-eyed as I burn the midnight oil penning this post after a few hours of tending to a whole lot of accumulated paperwork. The gathering, sorting, skimming, reflecting, filing, and tossing.
Pieces of this last year and a half have made their way into my hands. Literally.
For many {but not all}, the pandemic has gradually been receding from the forefront of our minds and we're beginning to wonder what's next. Maybe not consciously. But there's no way we can live in the midst of upheaval, uncertainty, and unsettledness for an extended period of time without it leaving its mark on our souls and impacting who we see ourselves to be.
Before we hop, skip, jump, or crawl into the season ahead, before those calendars begin to steadily fill with activities and obligations and invitations that {truth be told} we didn't miss one single bit, I offer you 8 questions to consider in the presence of the Lover of our souls, the Holy One who numbers our days.
We sit quietly in His presence with expectant hearts so we're able to travel onward without invisible burdens or unfinished business. We purposely invest in this sacred space so we can begin to unpack our experiences, discern His healing touch, a gentle direction, an opening door, a fresh opportunity, an updated calling.
For we find ourselves in an immense transition that we've never before experienced. A fresh wind is blowing. And the upcoming fall of 2021 is no time for doing business as usual.
During the pandemic -
* What did you yearn for?
* What surprised you?
* What did you lose?
* What did God invite you to?
And now -
* What's stirring inside?
* What are you done with?
* What's your biggest fear?
* Is God beckoning you toward 'a new thing'?
Dear Lord,
You've carried us through the storm. Some of us have sailed through with little trouble. Others have encountered desperation, fear, sorrow, stagnation. Yet You never left our sides even when we had trouble sensing the warmth of Your presence.
Praise be.
Give us an expectation that You will open unknown and unexpected doors in the days ahead. Surprise us with Your bountiful wisdom, creativity, and joy. Thank You that You redeem our hurts, traumas, and griefs in ways that we never dreamed possible.
We've looked backward so that we can move forward to what You have ahead for us. To be, to do.
We're all Yours.
In Jesus' name ~
Amen
As always, I'd be honored to hear your observations and discoveries ~
Linda
*
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checking in with
This is a good exercise, Linda. Though I am glad the pandemic is ebbing away and life is getting back to "normal," I don't want to waste this season. I want to learn what God has for me from it.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest loss is respect for the people who handled the whole thing with hostility and condescension. There were different scientific opinions as to the best way to prevent the virus, normal since this was all new. But people tended to choose whichever one they liked or made sense to them--no problem there, really. The problem came with ranting and name-calling and ridiculing others of different opinions. Now that we're gathering back with others who did those things, it's hard to know how to handle it. Forgiveness, yes. Forbearance, yes. Remembering that God's kingdom is more than masks and viruses, yes. But the feelings of hurt and dismay don't fade so easily.
Barbara, I really appreciate your thoughts on the 'hostility and condescension, ranting, name-calling, and ridiculing.' You named them well and I agree that all this verbal disrespect, whether re: the pandemic or politics, has left a huge stain on the church as well as the country.
DeleteI was very protective of my Mom at the beginning since she was already ailing, but eased up as time went on and it became clearer what was wise and what was unnecessary.
Sadly, it seems like all the verbal vitriol that's become part of our national dialogue stems from the heart, doesn't it. For out of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Thanks for bringing up this subject. It's a tender one, and yes, we are a people of strong opinions! But there's only one Enemy and he loves the division.
And that's a huge tragedy in and of itself.
I'm having some of these same issues, Barbara. I'm having to do serious heart-work to get over some of the hard divisions that arose during the pandemic between groups of people. I need to forgive more (and be forgiven too I'm sure!).
DeleteLinda, your questions are very good and worthy of our attention. Love this: "We've looked backward so that we can move forward to what You have ahead for us. To be, to do." That is my prayer too. It's still a time of uncertainty for which activities I need to pick back up and which ones I need to keep down.
You're so right, Lisa ... there's some 'serious heart-work' that most of us need to tend to. So much has happened in this past season that has impacted us in ways that have been negative and have impacted our ability to love well.
DeleteHe is able ...
This is such an insightful comment. I've struggled with this, too. I want to be forgiving, but I also have to ask myself another hard question: "If this is who these people are (hostile, angry, given to name calling, disrespectful of government authority, etc.), are they people I want to be closely associated with?" Sometimes we have to make the hard decision to step back and be less closely associated with someone because it isn't good for us mentally or spiritually.
DeleteYou bring up so many important points, Shannon! Sometimes people come into our lives who are not safe for us, for whatever reason. It's good to create boundaries to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
DeleteIt might mean that we don't watch a 24 / 7 news cycle. It might mean immediate prayer or removing ourselves when we sense that a situation 'isn't good for us mentally or spiritually.'
But it's also imperative that we forgive and release those who have wounded us. It doesn't mean that we'll agree with them or be best friends. But it can mean that by giving them up to the Lord, He will take care of what needs to be taken care of, and their behavior won't have control over us anymore.
And finally, anger is a sign of someone's deep hurt, frustration, fear. When people are lashing out, there are often deep wounds underneath that have not been tenderly cared for. Or injustices that have been done and not rectified. We do good to discern the pain behind what's being said.
And then ask the Lord what our response should be.
I'm so glad you're in on this dialogue. Thank you for taking the time to join us here ... come back soon?
I'm always in awe when your posts align with my life so perfectly. Love those "Gods incidences"! Oddly, the pandemic helped me to dig deep and find more strength than I knew I had. I discovered more creativity, more compassion, more confidence. God is leading me away from the comfort of a familiar and beloved long term job. From a lifetime of living in one state. As I begin searching for jobs down south I am apprehensive if the unknown but excited more. After all, we just came thru a pandemic.....there is nothing g we can't do now!!!
ReplyDelete'I discovered more creativity, more compassion, more confidence.'
DeleteWow, Val, what a gift to be able to see these kind of characteristics blossom in our lives during the bad times.
It sounds like things are turning upside down and inside out ... may you continue to sense God's clear leading and direction and know His strength and purpose.
Bless you in the process!
Linda, I so appreciate these questions. It's wise to look at where we've been. I found that God gave me ways to be productive even amid the uncertainty. The other lesson I learned is just how desperately we need Him. The underlying stress the pandemic placed on us (and one of my sons in particular) has left us with some fallout. God's reminded me just how essential prayer is. And, in this current season of life for our family, pausing and praying when life feels stressful has been my go-to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your honesty about family dynamics, Jeanne. How could all this isolation and unsettledness and forced togetherness and stress not affect how we did life together, right on top of each other, month after month.
DeleteMay you find His loving grace and deepest wisdom as you continue to walk through the fallout of it all. Parenting was already challenging enough to begin with.
Praying right now with you, for you, friend ...
These are wonderful questions, Linda! Fall time always feels like new beginnings to me. I left my job of 17 years recently and taking a bit of time before I start seeking a new position. What new thing is God beckoning me to? I am not sure! First, I will stay present in this time instead of rushing my mind to 'what's next' questions, I think!
ReplyDeleteLynn, hi! Yes, that sounds like a huge game-changer in your life. I love how you're staying 'present' with what is true and not rushing ahead. You are so wise.
DeleteMay you experience God's peace, joy, and creativity as you spend quiet time in this waiting room season. He loves you so! And with all your talents and giftedness, the sky is the limit ...
I missed being with family and friends the most, Linda. And now I'm watching my mom waste away, and I so regret that COVID-19 robbed us of a to we could have had together.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Oh Martha, yes, I hear you about your mom. God has kept you guys on my heart in recent weeks with all the upheaval and change and deep concern you have for her and how it's impacting your life.
DeleteThis is such a hard season for those of us who have elderly parents, who've missed opportunities to be together, who've been separated by rules and regulations, quarantines and masks.
Thank God He's there during every moment of the heartbreak, disappointment, exhaustion, and fear that so many of our families have had to endure. I pray for grace and energy as you walk through this time.
It's a tough one, for sure.
Linda, these are wonderful questions to ponder. I have no idea what the fall will bring as there are yet many unanswered questions. But I can trust the One who alone has all the answers to guide my every step.
ReplyDeleteYes, the trust-building continues, doesn't it. How blessed we are that He knows the future. It takes the pressure off feeling like we've gotta know each and every detail.
DeleteThe question that surprised me was the questions what surprised you? :) I found a real connection with nature and being outdoors even if it is just sitting out side while I read or work on my computer. I am so amazed at God’s creation and His creativity in the variety.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, TJ ... every bit of time outdoors during that tough season was literally a breath of fresh air and a super perspective shifter. Even when it was blasted cold, just sticking my head out the door for a minute or two made some of those days saner and helped blow away the rapidly gathering cobwebs in my head!
DeleteI have seldom sat with my computer outdoors, if ever. It sounds divine.
During the pandemic I too missed the most being with family and friends in person. But I was surprised how contented we could be, my husband and I, staying at home nearly every day except for doctor visits--and even some of those were virtual. One of the greatest blessings was extended quiet times each morning, since there was no place to go. I'm having a hard time reining myself in now that the calendar is starting to fill up again!
ReplyDeleteI loved the virtual doctor visits! There were some months where I almost had mine on speed dial. What a lifesaver.
DeleteHow beautiful that you speak of contentment, Nancy. It was a very good thing to be quiet at home, to work or putter and read, rest and get a bit creative now and then.
I'm hearing from people that they're already missing that quiet, reflective lifestyle ... and they're not quite sure about the doors being flung wide open again with business as usual.
I think they're on to something.
Perfect list of questions and ones I will add to my journal. Thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteA splendid idea, Jean!
DeleteI had an aha moment just yesterday, talking to my good husband, about how much I have missed teaching the Bible. No Sunday school, no invitations to teach at events (no events!)--it's felt like a wasteland to me, and I hadn't put words to the loss until yesterday. And now here.
ReplyDeleteWow.
DeleteWasteland.
So aptly put.
I've had some of those wasteland experiences, Michele, and it's left me with deep frustration, sadness ... and more than once I've heard myself say, 'what a waste.'
Oh and did I mention resentment, disappointment, irritation?
DeleteWaste of time, giftedness, energy, opportunity.
Hi Linda
ReplyDeleteThese are some good questions to ask. I'll try to answer them all.
During the pandemic:
I yearned for church fellowship. Church shut down and that was very hard to cope with. I also yearned for restaurants to be open to fellowship with friends over food.
I was surprised over the toilet paper shortage. I found myself laughing because I can't help but wonder if the media started a rumor about the shortage and everyone believed it.
I was also surprised I joined Instagram last April because I got bored. What was I thinking? I social media which is why I don't do Facebook.
We lost a dear brother in the Lord to COVID-19. We were so surprised because he beat cancer only to die from COVID.
God invited me to use the state shutdown as an opportunity to draw closer to Him.I spent a lot time in the Word and I still do.
And now:
I'm not sure what God is stirring in my heart. Perhaps God wants me to write a open letter to fellow black people about not having a victim mentality everytime some a black person is killed by a police officer regardless of the color of the officers skin.
I'm so done with masks! I miss seeing faces even if they have scowls on their faces.
Though I try not to be fearful of anything I do have fears. I think at the moment I fear for each of my daughters souls.They have worldly ideas and I want them to get right with God.
I don't know if God is beckoning me towards a new thing or not.That question I'll need to ponder for awhile.
Regina, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts ... I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a dear brother from COVID ... and oh yes, this has been a difficult year and a half and has impacted us all in many diverse ways.
DeleteAnd yes, we do have fears. God knows and He understands.
Pondering with you ...
Linda, thank you for an encouraging post! I always enjoy your thoughts and how God is leading your heart.
ReplyDeleteYou keep me smiling with your beautiful outdoor vistas and your delightful tablescapes, friend ...
DeleteI found that during the pandemic, I stayed away from family for about a month, and then that was it for me. I felt that they were too important not to see them or to have fear. Fear can do horrible things to people and I don’t think that God wants that for us.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you have a wonderful week, Linda. I plan on making the lemon pasta for a granddaughter tomorrow!
For sure, fear is a lousy platform for making decisions, Kitty! Those were such difficult months and most everyone I've connected with was most impacted by decisions about family situations. There was no one right way and people struggled, in their hearts and with each other, either out loud or silently.
DeleteI'm grateful that's over ...
Hi Linda! I pretty much kept going through the pandemic until I got COVID at Christmas time. Even then I continued working from home. After I was out of jail I kept going to the office even though it was wracking my body and I lost 48 pounds in 3-4 weeks. I stayed in touch with people by "drive by visits" (I stopped in someone's driveway and prayed for them then sent them a text). I sent handwritten notes. I wrote a weekly Midweek Message that was emailed to everyone on our directory list. God graciously gave me back my health and allowed me to continue to pastor these fine people. I chose then and choose now not to allow fear to rule my heart. I missed person to person contact and seeing people without a mask. I missed the personal visits. But in all honesty, God refreshed my heart almost daily through the worst of the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteYour body has really been through the mill the last few years, Bill. Your testimony is one of gratitude and victory, free from fear and focused on serving God and others.
DeleteYou can't keep a good man down.
These are great questions, Linda, and I love the conversation here. It is so interesting to read everyone's reflections. I definitely missed seeing family and friends the most and, as an introvert, I was surprised at the very start of the pandemic when lockdown was announced by how anxious it made me feel not to be able to see people (and that was when we were told the lockdown would be for 3 weeks!) I have also been surprised by some friendships that have developed and grown during this time - not necessarily the ones I would have expected.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with you, Lesley ... just because we introverts treasure our time alone doesn't mean that we welcomed any kind of lockdown, or that it didn't bring some anxiety, or that we didn't yearn for those relationships that mean so much.
DeleteAnd don't you love how God met you with new relationships in the process! He knows exactly what and who we need in our lives. Especially in the tough seasons.
Linda, I love these questions. I just copied and pasted them into a Word document so I can add them to my journal. Since I work at home, the pandemic didn't turn my life upside down. However, I did find I loved a slower pace and not filling my calendar with all kinds of activities. My husband and I found new hobbies and adventures to do together. Our greatest loss was our son's wedding being postponed twice, but now they can have the wedding they want without worrying about anyone getting sick.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad that these questions will fuel your journaling, Lisa! There's nothing like a question or two to help us figure out what we need and what we need to do to get there.
DeleteOr to get the clarity we yearn to receive from the Lord.
Happy wedding celebration! Bless your growing family ...
Great questions, Linda. We do everything in our home, so we weren't affected in our daily living, but we missed getting together with our extended family (missed graduation) and friends. I think I appreciate people more on this side of it.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Lisa. Missing graduations, weddings, funerals, church services, family was searing for many. We realize now how valuable these occasions are whether daily or once in a lifetime.
DeleteYou're right, this invites us to 'appreciate people more on this side of it.'
I had a long answer to this post a few days ago, which Blogger "ate!" So, I'll go a short answer. I was lucky. Apart from anxiety until I was vaccinated, I was extremely content. I lost nothing apart from a few visits from the toddlers that they probably wouldn't remember anyway. I connected with a number of people through zoom that I might not have seen or connected to had we not had the pandemic. I gained plenty of time to create art, write (I finished my book), spend quality time with Rick and discover new things. And I saved a fortune by not going to theatre, massage, out to eat, or shopping. I have no real fears apart from that I know this pandemic is far from over, just underground for now. But I intend to stay safe, masked when appropriate and very careful. I do miss not being able to cross the border into Canada (or vice versa) but that's small potatoes in the big scheme of things. I also know our world and situation can change in a heartbeat and I'm mindful of that.
ReplyDeleteOh I do hate when Blogger eats up a comment, Jeanie ... but I love that you've persevered and returned yet again. That means alot!
DeleteI'm agreeing with you that the pandemic is far from over and is 'underground,' so to speak. This is all new to us and most of us have learned lessons we wish we had never had to face.
And this, right here, is so true -->'I also know our world and situation can change in a heartbeat and I'm mindful of that.'
Thankfully, God knows the end from the beginning and He doesn't change like shifting shadows. He's not surprised by the news of the moment. And He speaks peace through it all. Embracing who He is has helped ease my anxiety level way way back. I'm so grateful ...
I'm so thankful for the Lord's protection through the virus storm that pulled the whole world into chaos. Here, where I live, things largely went on much as usual for the most part, and we have been very blessed to not have to deal with the horrible fears and worries that so many others have had to bear. I feel an anticipation that the Lord is about to do some great things, and my hope remains steadfast in HIM no matter what troubles the world's agendas come up with to cause fear, pain and sorrow. We have read the end of the great Book of all books, and that remains a great comfort to me!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Marilyn! We trust the One Who's already written the end of the story. He is our peace ...
Delete