And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. Matthew 7:26
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When Quarantine first began, I saw it as a gift: an opportunity to refocus us all to life within our four walls. No longer having to run here and there, I prioritized Family Time. My objective was to make fun memories and re-instill our core values.
Sure, we did “Thinking of You” cards for people who were struggling, Hearts for Healthcare Workers, shopped for the local food pantry, etc., but those endeavors didn’t take long. The majority of our time was focused on us.
Now that restrictions are being lifted, I’m trying to refocus us all, but I’m hitting resistance. We’ve gotten pretty good at indulging and just thinking of ourselves.
When we were limited on what we could do and where we could go, we compensated with lots of yummy treats and extra screens. Every day, there was sugar, and more sugar, and more than enough video games, movies and TV. You do what you have to do in the midst of a crisis.
Now that it’s time to break out of those habits and look outward, we’re all struggling. It’s so much easier (and way more fun) to only think of ourselves, giving in to every craving and urge. But that’s now who God created us to be.
We are supposed to be His hands and feet here on earth. We’re supposed to listen to His words, and then take action. We’re supposed to look out more than we look in, see who needs our help, and then give it.
Of course we still have to value self-care. If we don’t, we’ll crash and burn, and be of no help to anyone. But the purpose of self-care is to recenter ourselves in God, not indulge ourselves to the point of self-absorption.
We rejuvenate by receiving God’s grace, and then turning that grace outwards, showering it on others. That’s how we spread His love and light.
I have to buckle down and muster the self-discipline to break my own bad habits first. Then, I’ve got to lead the charge to get my kids to do the same. Honestly, I’m dreading it. But unless I do, we’ll just be the fools living in that house built on sand in Matthew 7:26.
Questions for Reflection:
* What was my main focus during Quarantine?
* Do I need to shift that focus now that restrictions are being lifted?
Shifting My Perspective 
You’ve never spoken a deeper truth, Claire, that I believe each of us experience at this phase of the pandemic, especially as restrictions in each of our circumstances lessen. So easy now to use the pandemic as an excuse for not doing some act of kindness or reaching out.
Being the senior that I am, I struggle daily to be balanced, receiving with deepest gratitude the cozy, safe apartment my God has so graciously given me, with extra quiet time to be with Him in prayer and meditation … yet knowing in my heart that God asks of me selfless giving to others each day, toward people He’s put in my path, which so often turns my own organized schedule upside down, especially when I surrender with a wholehearted “ Yes, Lord!!” Oh how He knows me, and knows fully I’m a work in progress still, and loves me even when I
sometimes fail to be that selfless person He asks me to be!
Deepest gratitude to you, Claire for your honest focus on this reality in each of our current circumstances!
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The Jackie I know is all-giving, for sure! As restrictions are lifted, I do hope and pray you still keep your health and well being a priority. As much as God wants you to care and give to others, He also wants you to honor the you He created. On a different note, once it’s safe to visit, please know I’d love to see you!
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