Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12 (NIV)
Due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) around the country, we are faced with continued quarantine and isolation. My calendar, which is usually filled to overflowing, is now clear except for a few work deadlines.
Rather than focusing on the negative, I’m looking for silver linings. I’ve become accustomed to finding lessons in everyday situations in order to write posts for this blog. This situation is so extraordinary that I know God has something for me to learn.
One message I’m hearing loud and clear is that I need to be more selective about how I spend my time. That includes taking better care of myself. My word for the year, renew, comes to mind.
How can I find renewal in this season of isolation? Here are a few ways:
Walking my dog. I walk my Yorkie companion, Lilly, almost every day. We walk year-round except in the rain or snow because her ears are sensitive to water and get infected easily. Moving around, breathing in the fresh air, watching Lilly explore, and getting a good dose of Vitamin D are good for both my physical and mental health.
Writing. Many of my regularly scheduled activities are writing events—critique group, conferences and workshops, writing group meetings. While these are good and necessary events, they do take away from the actual act of writing. Some of those events have moved online, but many others are canceled. Time I would normally spend driving to or sitting in a meeting is now free. I’m making progress on my cozy mystery, and I’ve even started writing a creative nonfiction story about Lilly’s first Christmas for an anthology.
Creating. A cleared schedule means I have time to pursue some new avenues for my business. I’ve started a YouTube channel, created a book of writing prompts, and developed a newsletter for writers. On the personal side, I’ve picked up an old hobby, cross stitching.
Reading. Of course, I’m reading, as always. This is the case even when I’m not cooped up. I’m staying away from dark novels and filling my mind with fun, uplifting fiction and nonfiction.
Connecting with others. Even when we’re not in crisis, I try to reach out to friends by text or phone. I set up a Zoom meeting for my small group so that we could get together virtually over coffee and talk about the good things happening in our lives. I call my parents or use FaceTime or Zoom when I want to see people’s faces. With the technology we have available, we can stay connected even while we’re apart.
Connecting with Jesus. In-person church services are canceled for now, so it’s important to find ways to stay close to God. Just because I can’t meet face-to-face with other believers doesn’t mean that I can’t worship God. I’m diving into Bible studies, the latest of which is on the book Dangerous Prayers by my pastor Craig Groeschel. I’m also reading plans in the YouVersion Bible app with my mom and members of my serve team at church. I listen to worship music, write in my prayer journal, and pray.
While I wish it hadn’t taken a crisis for me to evaluate how I spend my time, I do think it’s important to make the most of the time I have now. I know others who are using this time to reevaluate their priorities as well. Rather than sit idly, worried about all the things I cannot control, I’ll focus on the things I can—myself and my attitude.
Dear Jesus, help me make the most of my time. Show me the lessons you want me to learn right now and how to carry them into the future when life returns to normal. Amen.