From Feeling Disconnected to Peace of Purpose
Feeling disconnected? Check. Feeling Overwhelmed? Check. Feeling anxious? Check. Feeling Hopeless? Check. We’re approaching week four of the pandemic and a lot of people that I talk to are feeling one or more of the above ways. The uncertainty is palpable and the unknown is just that, it is unknown. No one knows when “normal” will resume or if it ever can.
Danger lurks around every populated corner. The mere thought of being around people brings on anxiety and fear. The battle with Covid-19 reminds me of the tragic Greek figure, Sisyphus. He was forced to push a stone up a hill only to have it descend as he got close to the top. That’s the battle with not only the pandemic, but it’s also the challenge of remote learning, managing day to day stress and household activities and tasks along with work while staying connected to loved ones. We're always trying to get to the top, but never quite making. It feels as if we make progress, yet we have to start all over again.
It’s a lot to deal with and even amidst all that is going on or not going on, there is still peace to be found in all of it. What is peace? Is it when everything is going well or all of your boxes line up? No, peace is something that happens on the inside of us. It’s the calm in our spirit even when the kids are going bonkers in the house or the work projects keep multiplying, and even when the number of who has died continues to increase. Peace is stillness and calm within us, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
The world tells us that we need to be plugged in and connected all the time, which takes us away from the things that truly matter, God, family, friends, and using our talents, skills, and gifts for the betterment of others. Right now, we have the opportunity to slow down and reconnect. I have a friend who is a hairstylist and also she is trained in fashion design. Mia can sew anything and she took that skill and turned it into a new business, making masks. Now because of Covid-19 and the Governor urging people to wear masks now hers are in high demand. Another community organizer that I know is organizing people online and using technology to effectively engage and reach people. Zoom calls have become the new way to meet and communicate. It’s also become a great way to create online social media content.
Now the new concern is that there are no breaks or separation from work. We’re always connected. This is how the world operates. We’re pushed from one thing to another. We have to be intentional in silencing the noise and being mindful. This is the opportunity where we just stop and be quiet for a moment, even if it’s only for sixty seconds. It’s a moment to stop and reassess what is happening and adjust ourselves. Don’t get caught up in the wave of apprehension with what is happening with the pandemic. Focus on the moment, connect with God and open your bible. Listen to what God is trying to tell us and settle into his peace of purpose.
