Mothering Through The "Rona"

#CurrentBrainChaos

---

Can I get any other mamma to shout it louder for those in the back, that the weeks have been long, and the days have been even longer?! I know that we can't be alone in that feeling!

Let me begin by saying, my child has been attending work with me each day for the last several weeks, and today was one of those merciless days! Every little thing was going wrong, and each time a stressful occurrence happened, another nerve was struck. As if phones ringing, appointments happening, and business continuing as normal as possible wasn't enough, we added into the mix, a three-year old toddler boy, who, by the way, is into everything, including THREE baby ducklings! Can I paint a more chaotic picture for you? Aghhhhh

We had just finished lunch, and I was in the middle of dealing with several work related issues, when my oh-so-tired toddler decided it would be the perfect time to throw a tantrum. With messes still present from lunch, duck poop lingering from his morning play- yet to be cleaned up by dad (insert eye roll), and my mind being pulled in every direction... I lost it! It was all I could take, and my patience was depleted. I just had to walk away, come to a quiet place, and be still. Can I just add here, that I have the most amazing employees, who pick up the slack and take over when they sense I'm overwhelmed. Even if that consists of taking our wild, ornery boy out for some much needed fresh air!

---

Immediately, I'm angry, and I allow myself to become frustrated while thinking on the countless things that we're having to deal with as a result of the Coronavirus-

>The difficult routine changes!

>Adjusting to new rules and regulations that are changing almost on an hour-by-hour basis!

>Nurturing our overly confused little ones due to the lack of normal activities and communication!

>Holding back hugs and handshakes due to social distancing and the 6 foot rule!

>Coping with the scarcity of family visits and learning to show affection through Zoom meetings and FaceTime!

>Yearning for the day that we get to gather with our church family in the house of the living God again!

>Canceling summer trips and vacations, rescheduling events, and prolonging birthday parties.

>Anxious about all of the unknowns in the days and months to come!

>Watching friends miss out on all the "firsts"- birthing experiences, wedding showers, baby showers, gender reveals, high-school and college graduations, senior trips, and special birthday celebrations!

>Troubled by the unknown of just how deeply our local small businesses, churches, and communities will be affected!

>Highly disturbed when I see the selfishness of those who are hoarding and overreacting, leaving some people without necessities for survival!

>Extending extra compassion towards those who have lost their jobs and are trying to make it without income!

>Grieving with our friends and loved ones in such an awkward and unusual way, all the while, showing a little more grace and mercy!

I'm sure that the list could go on, and I know that each and every family has been affected in some type of way from this pandemic! However, as I was meditating on all of these things, I finally came to the end of my self pity, and asked the Lord to show me something good! I wanted Him to redirect my focus from all the news, hype, and conspiracy, and also halt my endless thoughts from running through my anxious mind to what really mattered most- Jesus. Without hesitation, I began to remind myself of the many promises in His word! With my mind focused on Him, and my eyes gazed towards heaven, I stood in admiration of His boundless character! A few scriptures from the book of Ephesians came to my cognizance.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:4-7

I continued on reading-

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." -Philippians 4:8-9

I don't know about you, but, just after reading those few scriptures, I felt at peace in my mind, body, and spirit. I'm still amazed by the power of His word, and immensely thankful that it continues to bring me reassurance that God is still God! He is still good, even in the middle of this pandemic!

I elect today, not to allow the trouble of this world to define me, destroy me, or discourage me! Instead, I will sit at the feet of our loving Jesus, surrendering all that I am, and remind myself that He will bring me through! I choose to believe that we will get through this together and come out stronger than ever! After all, He is a God that works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. I challenge you, my dear friend, to do the same. We must press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14) and when this is all over, we will rejoice in sweet victory!

---

In His Grip,

Sarah Abernathy