Whew! It’s been a long two months…a long two months of people dying, a long two months of watching funerals on the screen and not in person, a long two months hearing about sickness, and a long two months trying to make things normal when we all know they’re far from normal.
It’s also been a long two months with rays of sunshine, the first snow, grilling in the rain, playing board games with family, putting together puzzles, putting up the Christmas tree, and going to the zoo.
Even on the long days there have been good moments. When my uncle passed away recently, our entire extended family was able to Zoom together to take time to remember him. Days of doing school from home has allowed our son to stay in contact with his cousin who’s over 15 hours ahead of us. Days working from home allows me to work by the Christmas tree and have lunch with the family.
It’s on the long days, though, I wish everything could be easy and Facebook perfect. The long days of winter can wear on our souls and we’ve been living in those long days for over 9 months now. I’ve decided on the long days that I need to reach out to those around me, ask how they’re doing and just let them know they’re loved. But, those are on my good days.
What about the times I’m in my longs days? These are the days I feel overwhelmed, in a funk, and just sad. These are the days I long for others to reach out to me, to be gentle with my soul, and to lovingly push me to see the brighter side of things. These are the days I’m drawn to the Word of God for encouragement and study. Focusing on others in the Bible allows me to escape from the reality of this world in some ways and in other ways it challenges me to live like they did.
What do your good and bad days look like? Acknowledge your longer days and look for the bright side of things when you can. Take time to laugh, take time to care for yourself, and take time to care for others. God made us for relationship.
Where are you needed today? Do you need to have a day of selfcare or do you need to reach out to someone around you? Let’s be a ray of sunshine today! Did I tell you you’re loved today? Thanks for living life with me! I love you!
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com/patrisyu
© 2020 Susan M. Sims
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Touches our soul. Good article. We feel for you because of the load you carry. You are a trooper! We love you.