I have been silent during the past few days because, honestly, I haven’t known what to think nor what could I add to an already loud conversation. As my family and I find our new rhythm, I am now ready to jump back into my ongoing conversation with you through my blog, Instagram, and Facebook. My purpose, as always, is to encourage, inspire, and give a nugget of a next step to you.

It takes me a little time to adjust to any new phase of life and find my new rhythm. I am not fearful of the virus, but I had to have a little pep talk with myself about how to do life in this season of social distancing and uncertainty. Here’s some of what I said to myself:

• My attitude—stay positive and take it one day at a time.
• Eat healthy.
• Exercise at home. I can lift weights and do many of the exercises I learned in my body pump class.
• Encourage others—stay upbeat with my husband and kids. It’s hard to have two of our daughters and son-in-laws far away in a time when we all would love to be close. We talk on the phone often and that helps close the distance. I am planning to send cards. I love the ministry of greeting cards. A card in the mail is a sweet surprise that says, “I am thinking of you and love you.”
• Use my time wisely. A little TV is fun, but it quickly numbs my mind. I’ve been getting caught up on paperwork, cleaning, and a little organizing. Now I am ready for a project I’ve been putting off or. . .
• Get creative—Extended periods at home (like when I am sick) always allow my creativity to come to the front of my mind. This is also true for our kids. Giving them time and space helps them to find and be their creative selves. That will look different for each child so, yeah, time and space. Who knows what they will come up with!
• Listen for the Lord—Extended periods of time at home also clear out the clutter in my brain so I can hear from the Lord more clearly. Be on the alert for a word from God—a nudge in a different direction, encouragement, inspiration, absolutely anything He’s been waiting to say until He’s had your attention.

None of us have any point of reference for this season we are in. In their lifetimes neither my parents nor grandparents experienced any circumstances this far reaching into every part of life. So I also had to have a little pep talk with myself and to remind myself that God is in control—always has been, always will be.

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

 

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.