This has been a year
of challenges, frustration, heartache, and not knowing what to do next. We are
left to our own devices to create some kind of normalcy in our homes. In about
two weeks, we celebrate Thanksgiving and for sure, it will probably be quite different
for many families. Let us just stop for a minute here and offer our condolences
to any of our readers who have suffered unbearable losses. Our hearts are with
you.
Many of these emotions
are new to us and can feel awkward because we have lived a certain way and
changes are occurring rapidly—some of them becoming permanent. The important
thing to remember is even though this is a whole different way of looking at the
world (masks, social distancing, grocery limitations, etc.) that doesn’t
necessarily mean our lives are taking a turn for the worse if we keep our
health intact.
Our outlook can eventually
become one of encouragement and an incentive to change things for the better.
For instance, we know of a person who is now permanently working full-time from
home since her company has suspended “live” operations on-site for all
employees and permanently closed its physical doors. This has been a blessing
for her not to have to commute to work every day and, additionally, for her
second grader who is now enjoying homeschooling and having mom nearby.
Open the Door and Get
Some Fresh Air
“Happiness sneaks in
through a door you didn’t know you left open.” (John Barrymore, American actor)
It’s true, some of us
are feeling a bit isolated right now not being able to see our friends and
family in person much. We are beginning to realize life may never really be the
same as before this pandemic. So, the best effort we can make would be to
“reinvent” our lives for the better.
We can start by
figuring out what happiness currently means to us. Like right now.
Today. This week. This month. It probably will be quite different than last
year so really think about it. What is our number one need and how can we find
a way to make that happen?
Would connecting with
a friend be our current wish? That might mean picking up the phone to hear
their voice instead of emailing or texting. Or maybe meeting for lunch in a
park if we stay six feet apart. We not only will cause our own happiness but cause
our friend some happiness too. Bingo!
Are we really missing
out on some great food? True, we may not be able to go to our favorite
restaurant if they don’t have dine-in service, but we certainly can go to the
grocery store, pick up some items, go home, and surprise ourselves by trying out
a new recipe. There will probably be leftovers for tomorrow too.
It’s possible we are
going “stir crazy” staying at home so much. And even though we thought all our
closets and drawers would get cleaned out and organized once and for all, it
just hasn’t happened. So maybe gathering a few family members, packing up the
car, and going camping for a few days will change our outlook drastically.
Where Is Our
Happiness?
Okay, we get the
idea. We can certainly go through that door and make our own happiness. Try out
old things in a new way. Develop new daily routines. Let’s face it--we are the
only ones holding ourselves back. Everyone is in the same boat right now so no
sense making things worse by complaining, whining, and giving up. That’s not
us. Life is a big challenge, especially now, but we are strong, determined
women ready for anything. Let’s make it happen!
The last suggestion
to move closer to happiness is to either continue praying or start praying for
friends, family, neighbors, our cities, states, country, and the world that we
will see an end to Covid-19 in the near future. Those are seven important categories,
so maybe choose one each day and really pray for needs to be met whatever they
are.
God knows.
God cares.
God helps.
He’s waiting to hear
from us.
"Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found" (Psalm 119:35 NLT).
