It has been a few weeks now since COVID-19 turned things here in the USA upside down. There seem to be two extremes people find themselves in… either being isolated and completely alone… or being around those we live with much more than we are used too. For those alone, connecting in authentic ways can be a challenge when an in-person time together is not possible. As for those living with family or roommates, I’m sure some nerves have been frayed a bit.
For me, it has been quite an adjustment to having my wife, two children and a house guest together all the time. Finding time to do my job in and around homeschooling is proving really difficult. Fortunately, my oldest is in 1st grade, and I can still help her with math. In a few years, she may be out of luck! While the world outside our home has slowed down, it seems like the pace has increased within our home. There is lots of rushing around, trying to get through each day’s to-do list. Life-giving connection is easy to miss when there are work, school, meals to prepare, and everything else to get done.
I’m not sure how you are coping, but I’ve been struggling. Some of those lingering temptations towards lust and sexual fantasy have increased. I’ve jokingly begun to refer to COVID-19 as the 19 pounds that I may gain during this season. I keep finding myself standing in front of the pantry or the refrigerator, settling for a food substitute for what I am really yearning for… connection.
We can’t control what is happening in the world. We don’t yet know when, if ever, life will be back to normal. There is so much we can’t change, that it becomes increasingly important to focus on the things we can.
Things I can do
I can call someone when I am feeling disconnected, and talk about how I am feeling. I can talk to my spouse about what’s happening in my heart, rather than just the tasks of the day. There are some cool ways to connect today that we haven’t always had access to. Everyone seems to be using Zoom these days. It isn’t quite the same as going to lunch with a friend, but it is better than a text message or an email.
There are many resources available now that didn’t even exist two weeks ago. At WGA, we are now having our Thursday Night Group via Zoom. Last week, we had a similar number of people that we have had attending in-person in recent weeks. We had a few friends who have moved away that were able to join us. Just about every organization that offers counseling or support groups like we do has made the transition to virtual meetings. Please, use the resources that are out there for you.
As always, you can contact us to walk with you. Give us a call at 303-863-7757, or send me an email at roger(at)wheregraceabounds.org. The staff is working from our homes, but we are notified whenever a message is left at our office. We’d be happy to check in with you. We need the connection too!
Roger Jones
Executive Director
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