Where do we go from here?

As April winds to a close, I am wondering where I find myself mentally, physically and emotionally. Let’s call it a first quarter self-review. What did I do right over the last few months, and where do I need to improve? I think quarantine and isolation has affected productivity for each of us, whether it has increased or decreased. One of my favorite quotes lately is by Jenny Jaffe, and it goes like this: “You’re only unproductive by the standards of the world we lived in two months ago… and that world is gone now.” How are you measuring your self worth? By the standards of a world that doesn’t exist anymore?

I am getting a lot more adjusted to “new normal.” As Furtick says, we feel like we are grieving a thousand losses and never got to say goodbye. For so many who have lost loved ones during this crisis, either because of the virus or by other causes, goodbyes and grief have hit hard and fast. I don’t know your situation - maybe you are forced to be in an abusive home, maybe all the mental health issues you try to mask by partying and relationship hopping are finally coming to light, maybe you are deeply happy and this time of isolation has restored your spirit in an unexpected way. This time has affected us all so differently. Everyone has strong opinions, and goodness, don’t we all have time to be keyboard warriors now! I would rather listen to Savage by Megan Thee Stallion 450 times on repeat (thanks TikTok) than hear another political or Coronavirus opinion. I don’t particularly know what your situation is, but I know this. Whatever standard we used to live by, this hurried, frazzled and overwhelming pace - that reality is gone. At least for a while. We have no idea what the world will look like on the other side of this. But make no mistake, we will get to the other side.

The real question is then, how do you want to live your life going forward? If the status quo is changed, who do you want to be? What are your priorities? Dinner with family every night? Hugging every friend you see? Whatever that is for you, write those things down. Make yourself a list. Let’s call it Resolutions 2.0. Better yet - let’s call it Determinations. From here on, we determine that the changes our lives require - a slower pace, a different job, a separation from toxic people, a daily quiet time - those things are our priority now.

Mostly, we choose Jesus. This might seem like an odd way to close a month of “living redeemed,” but y’all, Jesus is big on giving us chances and allowing things to teach and grow us. Who says this time isn’t one? I struggle to prioritize my prayer time and Bible reading, especially when my mental health is a bit wacky. I love Netflix and hate jump rope. God bless America, I LOVE french fries way more than asparagus. As my dude Apostle Paul would say, “I know what I should do, but I don’t do it.” (Please bear with me. That’s a loose translation.) I mess up all the time. But every single day, we have the opportunity to do better. Right now, we have the space to create healthy habits. Choose Jesus. Choose hope. Choose commitment over convenience. Finally, choose love: Jesus, others, self. Everything else will work out alright.