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So much has happened since I last wrote on my blog. Who would’ve thought back in January, that a mere month or so in the future would bring such drastic changes to our lives with the Covid19 pandemic?
In Washington state where I live (only 2 hours from the outbreak’s epicenter), we’re now staying home–as are many of you across the country. At first, I obsessed with watching TV or reading the news on my phone. Situations changed almost hourly (and still do), but I’m starting to settle into a new kind of “normal.” I’m asking myself, how can I/we find hope during these difficult days?
What Can I Control?
When I ask myself that question, the answer is clear. I can only control what I think and what I do. Spending my days watching every developing news story won’t make any difference in the long run. I want to be informed, but I also want to use my time well. What can I do to encourage or help others through this time?
I’m impressed by how others are offering support. I met Yuko Miki at a local craft show last fall. “Happy” is the best description of her artwork. (And don’t we all need a little dose of “happy” right now?) She has started an email series of “60 Brighter Days.” Each day she sends out an encouraging message along with one of her joyful paintings. I look forward to her daily email. She has also graciously offered to share her art with others on their social media sites. I’m delighted to post one of her paintings here!
Pastors Bill Wolfe and Melannie Jackson from New Life Church here in Port Townsend have been recording Facebook Live videos of Sunday services, weekly messages/updates (some including sing-along music), and Bible studies for men and women. I watched the women’s Bible study today and I felt Melannie’s encouragement, love, and support–even though we’re “social-distancing.” I’m so grateful we have the technology that makes these interactions possible.
Be Creative!
I was supposed to present a workshop at the annual Northwest Ministry Conference last week. Of course, they had to cancel the event. That didn’t stop the conference IT team from taking bold steps to transition to a completely online conference. Blake Caldwell, one of the conference directors, said in a virtual meeting that we had been catapulted into the future! They had all the technical pieces to make this work–but they hadn’t anticipated putting everything into action ASAP.
I’m amazed at the skills and know-how it takes to do something like this in record time. They gave me detailed instructions on how to record my workshop and upload it to the conference website. Really–you really want me to do this? I admit I was reluctant, but then I thought, I CAN DO THIS! And I did. It’s rough and far from perfect, but at least I was able to do my part–and that feels good.
What Can You Do?
Michael Hyatt presented an excellent webinar last week about how to be “Confident in Crisis.” He explained that confidence is empowering and enables us to respond in positive ways. In any crisis, there are opportunities to take actions you never would have considered before–things you can do to make a difference in your family, neighborhood, and community.
My daughter-in-law encouraged us to use an app, Marco Polo. It allows you to send videos to each other, like a video “walkie-talkie.” My husband Randy and I have been sending daily messages to our family–and we’re even working on a story that everyone can contribute to. We can still have fun and feel close to each other even in the midst of tough times.
What will you do during this stay-at-home season? I pray you’ll join me in making your corner of the world a better and brighter place for those near and far.
P.S. Don’t forget to breathe!
