Routine

For our family, our routine and daily activities have not changed much compared to pre-COVID-19, with of course the exception of abiding the "Stay Home, Work Safe" guidance and social distancing. However, while our daily routine has not changed, it is not business as usual for us. This is not a vacation. Not because our schedule is unaffected or I am against taking this opportunity to rest, but because I choose to stay engaged. It's not just about me. 

And right now, my fellow brothers, sisters and neighbors are still affected and many of them are on the front lines of this fight. While I am incredibly grateful that my family and I are safe and well, I am not content and satisfied with just that. I want to do my part in fighting alongside my neighbor, until we are all okay. So as we continue with our work, homeschooling, family routine, and all that is in between, I am still very much engaged and attune to what is taking place in our world presently. My heart is deeply moved to tears, and I feel the weightiness of what many people, families and businesses are facing. I want corona contained and to cease. I want kids back in school, people employed, people gathering again, and the economy and medical industry operating at healthy levels. I want to be part of the answer and solution. I am weeping with those who are weeping, rejoicing with those who are rejoicing. I am interceding, I am praying.

Now having said all of that, it does not mean that I am listening and watching the news obsessively everyday, or every hour. Nor am I saying that I am consumed or overwhelmed by what is taking place to the point that I am carrying burdens that are not mine, and neglecting myself, family or responsibilities. I'm just being very intentional, even more so in this moment to be light and hope. I want to point people to Jesus. I am looking for the bigger picture, and what's my role to play in this moment. 

So maybe like you, well meaning people have checked up on you and have asked questions like, "how are you doing with all the crazy, do you have cabin fever, are the kids going bonkers staying inside, are you working, etc."  Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. But no, there is no cabin fever, boredom or bouncing off of the walls. Yes, we are working, and all is well with our soul. And in the same breath, I also say, our family is forever marked by this pandemic, and we will never be the same. And I think I am okay with that. Why? Because once you choose to open your eyes to "see", and your heart to "feel," you cannot un-see or un-feel. You're mobilized to action. Secondly, while no one willingly chooses suffering or pain, I do believe suffering and pain can serve a greater purpose. It produces something in us - and I get to choose if I'm going to grow and mature to produce compassion, generosity, kindness, love, and ultimately a deeper relationship and trust in God, or the opposite. I'm choosing the former.

So, our schedule has been "routine," but not business as usual. Quite frankly, it's never been business as usual or status quo for us. Because you see, we realized more than 20 years ago the One who is really writing the story of our life, and we said “yes” to following Him. It’s been an incredible journey of surrender thus far, and rarely if never is it business as usual. We’re okay with that. Because we follow a faithful God, who does not change, and a God who loves us, and gives us Himself - His presence. He is so worthy.  

We are wide awake. Leaning in and gleaning to the Father. Our hearts are with the entire world right now as we fight corona, but our eyes and gaze are always fixed on Him. 


"As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation,[h] and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!" Hebrews 12:1-2 (TPT) 

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