Recently I had a long overdue visit to the dentist. I have not been going since the pandemic began (TMI?). I was concerned of the higher risk of getting infected at the clinic. I feel like my teeth thanking me for its deep cleaning. Of course, it took a longer time with the dentist at this appointment (another TMI), but it was worth it. I committed to going regularly now that the pandemic is relatively under control.
Over the same period, I hosted friends over at my place. Wow I had the most exhausting time cleaning, preparing for their visit. Imagine not entertaining guests for more than 2 years so no major cleaning happened. By the way, the major cleaning hasn’t reached the bedrooms yet (ooppps TMI again). It’ll come especially when it’s time to invite friends for a sleepover. After cleaning up, I had the most rewarding feeling. Just like my teeth, if the walls of my house can talk, they would surely thank me. What was more rewarding was that I can meet my friends again in person and have an amazing time together. Something I truly missed during the lockdown.
The season of re-opening is upon us. There are days now that our “office” is no longer 3 feet away from the bed. We can now bring out our office clothes, makeup for the ladies, shoes and store away pajamas and sweatpants. We brace ourselves for traffic with more cars on the roads, riding buses/subway, driving more, seeing crowds in restaurants, malls, parks, and other areas. We revel at the opportunity to meet up with people once again and pause on virtual meetups. Now is the time to enjoy the things we missed during isolation.
As we have adjusted and embraced living in isolation. That season has passed, and a new season has begun. For sure, there’s a bit of disorientation. The masks that served as our basic safety essential is slowly being phased out. We feel vulnerable and anxious. Adjusting to this new phase is a season by itself. The unmasking is just one example among many of the adjustments we must face that can leave us feeling helpless and scared.
Along with the moments of disorientation, come frustration as we deal with the nuisances and challenges this season brings. On the other hand, there is the anticipation of the promise it carries. I think what would be healthier and fulfilling is to turn that frustration/anxiety/fear to gratitude and turn up that excitement. Let’s focus on how far we’ve gone from the pandemic that crippled our freedom, our health, quality of relationships, the economy and so on. We are thankful we came out of it alive, learned more about ourselves and others, adapted to things we never thought possible.
You and I are on different phases in our current life journey. We are either on high, low or even uneventful moments. If we are on the high - things turning out well, we don’t forget to be grateful but enjoy the blessings to the fullest. If we are in our low moments, we welcome the trials and challenges since these are the moments of growth, of learning we are only humans and reminding us of the truth that we are never in control of our circumstances. Still during these times, we can remain grateful and persevere to overcome these trying times.
How can we be consistent in our attitude in whatever moment in life? How can we remain thankful and be at peace despite the chaos and uncertainties? How can we be strong in overcoming trials? The answer is surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ who is sovereign and in control of everything. It’s not by our own strength we carry on but only by His grace. Trusting in the powerful one that has the best plans for us, His children, gives us the way to welcome fully each season of our lives and move forward with confidence.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:1-6
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