DON'T WASTE THE INTERRUPTION
Interruptions to our plans and expectations are a reality of life. Some interruptions are like rainy days in the Spring that can be anticipated, while others are like a new virus from a city in China that I've never heard of. All interruptions create challenges, and this is what we tend to focus on. It is often missed that every interruption also creates new opportunities. This isn't because of some optimistic thinking, but because God has designed the world in a way where every situation, every moment, every interruption is part of His plan and is used to accomplish His purpose. This means that every interruption (from our perspective, not from God’s) creates an opportunity for us to lean into His purpose. This means instead of us just reacting to situations we find ourselves in, we purposefully respond. We see the world not as being done to us but instead as people who decided how they are going to approach the new reality, both challenges and opportunities, that they find themselves in.
From TV, to social media, to papers, to church, everyone is talking about COVID-19, and like all good interruptions, they like to consume as much of our time as they can. So, we go from people who didn't know what “CDC” stood for to ones who get notifications when a new announcement is being made. Then we wait like a teen waits for a DM on Instagram from someone they have a crush on. Once we realize that the information is still vague or nothing new, we turn to social media and scroll through endless memes about toilet paper and empty shelves. Once our thumb starts to cramp from all of the scrolling, then back to the TV to hear from our favorite political talk show about how the situation is being handled. Then a few hours later, the cycle starts again.
Here are some ways you can respond instead of react to the Coronavirus and not waste this ‘interruption.’
Professionally:
This pandemic is affecting a lot of people professionally. From restaurant workers, to sales professionals, small companies and large - many will be and already are impacted by this. However, it also creates opportunity. For some of you, this is a time where you can work on deepening yourself professionally. You can read a book on leadership or catch up on some business podcasts. For some, you can use this time to develop that business plan that you've been thinking about or maybe open up that LLC that you haven't had time to do.
If you are in sales, calls can still be made, schedules still need to be kept, meetings (via Zoom or Skype) can still be had. Don't let this turn into an excuse for why you’re behind when Q2 arrives.
Relationally:
This dimension is one that I see huge potential in. Invite to join a FaceTime call. Go ride bikes with your kids, walk the dog, say hi to neighbors. Write/draw cards for elderly friends or family members.
If you are married, use the extra time to take a walk with your spouse. Strangely enough, most of the fresh food is still readily available, so get a new recipe, buy the ingredients, and cook it together.
You want to find salubrious activities for you and the kids. This is a great time of the year to plant a garden, do some yard work together, rearrange the living room, switch over the winter and summer clothes.
Create a challenge for everyone in the house to read a book in the next two weeks. Then have a family meal where each person shares their favorite parts from their book.
Learn a new board game. Have a family movie and popcorn night.
All of these are ways you can grow relationally with those around you during this time.
Physically:
Use the extra time to walk more or work outside. Schedule a time to exercise together as a family.
Spiritually:
Finally, we will either waste or capitalize on this time spiritually. For many, large Sunday church gatherings are canceled. While this is unusual for us as Americans, it is not to God. Millions of Christians all over the world, both now and throughout history, have gathered in homes for their weekly meetings. This was mostly the reality that we read about in the book of Acts. They didn't have elaborate music or a professional sermon, but they still gathered as God’s people. Plan this week to gather with believers in homes, share what God is revealing to you, and pray for one another. Read stories about and pray for other believers throughout the world that always have to gather in homes. Finally, anxiety and fear are not from the Lord. This virus was not an interruption from His perspective. Throughout history, God has used a virus to call people to repentance, to refocus them on what's essential, to reveal where they put their trust and hope. This time can be used to reflect where your trust is and to realign it back to Him.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
Make the choice not to waste the ‘Coronavirus Interruption.’
-Greg
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