journeys-page

You would think that being stuck at home with no place to go would find you plenty of opportunities to rest while putting that Netflix subscription to good use. The first months of quarantine, however, proved to be some of the most challenging and stressful days of my young life. While attempting to work full-time from home helping teachers transform our educational system, I was also trying to ‘manage’ a baby, a toddler, and a kindergarten needing his daily dose of school. Every day was chaotic and centered on me balancing 10 things at once. The uncertainties of our current situation combined with my extroverted personality and this professional-personal life mish-mash had me spiraling quickly down a negative, anxiety filled hole. I found myself angry, quick to lose patience, and depressed about the situation we all were forced to confront. By the first week of April, I decided to take control of what was in my control, and took a good, hard look in the mirror. What do I need to do to take care of myself so that I can better take care of others? Answer: I needed time to myself.   As selfish as it may seem on the surface, I desperately needed quiet, daily, uninterrupted time to myself.  With the help of my husband and resetting that alarm (I know right, who sets an alarm in quarantine??), I made myself schedule time to be alone – to pray, read, reflect, and take care of myself emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  I began a daily devotional building into a continuous 365-day devotional journal.  I spent time each morning writing and praying before heading out on an early morning run.  During my runs I could talk to God without interruption, get lost in the Christian music I had blaring through my headphones, or just enjoy the beauty that comes with early spring mornings. The peace that came from my new routine cannot be described in words. I simply was happier, more patient, and less stressed. I now crave this time daily, and when I don’t get it, I can tell in my interactions immediately. Even now, the kids are in bed, and I’m sitting outside with a glass of wine by the fire – enjoying my quiet moments with God. You see, Covid-19 has taught me a thing or two about what I need to feel rested and stay healthy. I know now that in the midst of this crazy, chaotic life, I need to schedule time daily to just be with myself and God. I am a better mother, colleague, and wife when I do. “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”                                                            Matthew 11:28