Uncertainty During Shut Down – How Can We Manage?
Hi there! As we begin a third week of social distancing, with business and school closings, spotty grocery store stock, and all the uncertainty during shut down, I am checking in with you.
How is your family doing?
I want you to know I am thinking of you, and praying for you. And I hope to offer a sanity check. It’s important to be able to see what God is doing for good around you to combat feelings of isolation and uncertainty.
Uncertainty Makes Us Anxious
It isn’t easy to juggle all the things we need to do everyday. Uncertainty makes us feel anxious and on edge.
So much feels unsettled. Kids are navigating distance-learning. We are planning meals, often with missing ingredients. We are most likely being the toilet-paper-police with young kids who love to spin that baby. Families are housebound and the space seems to have shrunk overnight. Juggling it all is overwhelming and we wonder what we can let go of.
Boy, do I understand that!!
It isn’t easy but we need to give ourselves permission to let things go?
Full disclosure here: The grocery store was out of chicken again, still no toilet paper, I didn’t make my bed, and I had peanut butter and jelly for lunch. And it’s okay.
I’d like to offer ideas to help take one day at a time. It helps to look for the positive things and to give grace to yourself and those around you.
It isn’t easy to find humor when stressed…but we need to find ways to laugh. Try this:
Watch a funny movie.
Put on an impromptu skit at dinner.
Tell silly jokes.
Print out funny memes and hang them on the fridge.
Find a little humor in your situation whenever possible.
Our regular schedules (before the shut down) were often busy and scattered, so suddenly being housebound can be a challenge, especially with children. Try doing something together like:
Make your own pizzas (English muffin versions count) or ice cream sundaes.
Bake muffins or cookies together.
Take a walk outside.
Plan for some quiet time after lunch. An hour alone to be able to decompress, read, play with toys, or pursue a hobby is restorative for everyone.
Don’t forget to breathe.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Turning It Off
Blah, blah, blah…
Social media is buzzing with everything from fake news, scary rumors, and overwhelming stories. The news reports are blaming everyone and everything. Sometimes we just need to turn it off and focus on today.
The news reports are blaming everyone and everything for the #ShutDown. Sometimes we just need to #TurnItOff and focus on today. Click To Tweet
Maintaining our balance in the middle of a stormy sea is necessary, so sit down in the boat and remember that Jesus is with you.
Maintaining our balance in the middle of a stormy sea is necessary, so sit down in the boat and remember that Jesus is with you. #ShutDownRX #YouRNotAlone Click To Tweet
When we can’t handle it all, just do the next thing.
Do you have someone to talk with?
One way to discover what the next thing might be, is to talk with someone you trust. It is really important to connect with others during times of uncertainty.
Share your crazy moments, hints for maintaining sanity, funny moments, or hard things. These may just be the thing to encourage someone who is sitting on the edge of crazy.
Feel free to scroll down and add your thoughts in the comment section.
I found this article, That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief, very helpful in understanding what I am feeling in the middle of all the upheaval. We are experiencing a lot of emotions and this information explained it well.
What do you need most? How can we encourage one another during this unprecedented time?
You are not alone,
Jeanne
Don’t forget the power of prayer!
PS. I have been reading the Book of Acts, chapters one and two this week and seeing some cool stuff. Did you know that Jesus told the disciples to stay in the upper room to wait for the Holy Spirit. That sounds a little like social distancing too. Jesus knew they would need power to do what He was preparing them to do.
While reading, I saw that Prayer Precedes Power. I believe God wants us to spend time talking with Him about the chaos we are living and then watch as He provides what we need to get through the trying times.
What are you hearing from God during the Corona-Virus shut down? Be sure to share in the comments below. I know it will be an encouragement to others.
What are you hearing from God during the #Corona-Virus #ShutDown? Click To Tweet
Receive The Stream’s Edge in Your Email Box
Want to receive posts like this by email, Subscribe Here and enjoy my gift of a mini word study. And, enjoy Lisa Joy’s beautiful handcrafted coloring page.
Interested in the Pausing for R & R Retreat? Sign Up to receive updates and news about future plans for our next getaway the weekend of September 10-13, 2020.
For FREE devotional and Bible study materials (including my video study in John 15, Abiding in the True Vine: Producing fruit that lasts) be sure to Visit my Resource Page for Free Downloads.
Gifts to help this ministry are not tax-deductible but very appreciated. You can donate through Paypal.
Amazon Resources for You (Affiliate Links)
It’s good to have time away from the busy schedule. I’m trying to spend more time each day reading God’s Word and getting outside. I try to call or snail write someone everyday, and spend time sewing masks for the hospital. My children and grandchildren have zoom visited, done drive-by, stay in the car visits, and walks, trapped in the stroller, with us a safe distance away.
Hi Ellen, I am doing the same along with a few long past due home projects…like organizing some shelves in the basement. 🙂 I am looking forward to the weather improving to get outside more. I have a garden project in mind for this year…putting up a arch trellis and growing moonflower and morning glory plants. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for sewing all those masks. They will be appreciated I am sure!
I found the initial shutdown very rattling. Now the anxiety is trying to descend upon me. I waiver between optimism and pessimism.
Working helps. Finding routine helps. Praying helps.
I totally understand, Nancy. I think we all have those conflicting emotions. And think your list of helps is a good one. It keeps things in perspective and helps to take one day at a time. Thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for mentioning Acts. I have been thinking about Paul, writing so many exhorting, encouraging, (and chastising) letters from jail. We, too, can reach out through social media, email, phone calls, & snail mail! I have been so heartened and thankful for churches like mine that have stepped boldly into extra online activities, and in so doing, reaching more than just our congregation. Take care & be well!
All are doing well here ma’am; and we pray all is with you and your family ma’am. We’ve decided to adopt the stance that our faith is greater than our fear. With that in mind, my family and I are focusing on how we rely on God to see us through each day. I’ve only watched perhaps three hours of television since being sequestered. Praying everyone hangs in there through this season. God’s blessings.
My house certainly seems smaller with all 5 of us home! But I liked some of your suggestions. My 20-something-year-olds are not into skits, but I looked up funny coronavirus memes. That’s a good idea I may implement. Thank you, Jeanne!
Great idea, Stephanie. Let us know if you discover other fun things to do with that age group. I think just gathering would be great. Make your own taco night, baked potato bar, etc.
My husband and I (47 years!) are so grateful that we are blessed to live in the country where we can walk the woods trails. Being to God’s creation eases anxiety. We refocus. We breathe. We experience peace. John 14:27 has been my go-to verse.
Dawn, great suggestions and I love that you have a go-to verse. Thanks for chiming in 🙂
Great suggestions, Jeanne. My husband and I were just discussing the importance of laughter yesterday. It’s good medicine–much needed during this time. I’m an introvert, so I’m not really missing social interaction so much, but I’m recognizing the importance of it. This time of forced togetherness within our household provides a wonderful opportunity to talk with each other about “stuff”. Some of this might be deep, important conversations, but some of it can be all for fun. Get to know your family better! And pray together!
Oh my, Katherine, I agree!! This will be a good thing once we get on the other side of the chaos. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am an ambivert (a bit of a combo) but hubby is an introvert. The isolation doesn’t trouble him at all. But combine a few days with no sunshine and I need OUT!! We are learning…
I so loved your point about sitting down in the boat! That struck a chord with me. Why stand up in the crazy of all that’s going on right now? My prayer is that I will sit down and trust Jesus. 🙂
Thanks for your input, Emily. Be still and know He is God…sit in the boat…trust that He has us in the palm of His hand. The crazies can mess with our head with this. But He is a good God and He will watch over us no matter what the circumstances say.
Thanks Jeanne. I limit my news watching and try to be informed but not consumed. I’ve increased my reading of something light, scriptures, and devotions. I love your suggestion of humor and that is a relief too.
Marilyn, I understand the need to keep the news at a minimum…informed but not consumed is a great goal. Thanks for stopping in today.
I am grandkid sitting. My four year old granddaughter is with us while Mom and Dad are still working so I have plenty to do. I am playing princess games, Go Fish and printing worksheets for her to do so she won’t get behind in learning her letters and numbers. I love the opportunity but not the reason behind it!
This is a big undertaking, Barbara. But what a wonderful opportunity to bond with your granddaughter. Thanks for sharing this with us. And enjoy playing to pass the time. I am sure she misses her parents. You are providing a secure place for her during this time of uncertainty
We are doing well. Although I’d love to worship corporately in the church building, I am thankful for live streaming. The Lord has blessed me as I sing and praise Him here at home. After streaming this morning, my husband and I took a walk outdoors and enjoyed spring flowers and trees in bloom. God’s got this!
Sounds like a perfect Sunday, LuAnn. Thanks for your thoughts.