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It’s interesting that now we have greater appreciation for the little things. For me it’s my ability to go and see friends when I want, being able to drive to church on a Sunday morning and my nail tech! Gosh How I appreciate my nail tech right now.

With more time than ever at home, I have found myself torn between so many emotions. Being at home out of choice or for an extended sabbatical is one thing. But right now, we are all home because the world has been shaken by this pandemic. We aren’t at home on a break but at home as a measure to help save our lives and the lives of others.

Let’s take a moment to think about that. It’s no wonder why many are anxious in this season.

That’s why it’s so sad that some posts on social media are shared with the narrative that makes people feel guilty if they aren’t in the process of creating Facebook 2.0.

At one stage of lockdown I found myself feeling down for not having the ‘buzz’ or the ‘Drive’ to get up and do something new. Now don’t get me wrong, I 100% believe that the time we have now will allow us to get things done.

But for me last week, the ‘things’ were praying more, resting, Netflixing and blogging.

Last week I had days where I had woken up in a panic just thinking about my loved ones who have been unwell and the ones who lost loved ones as a result of this pandemic. With all due respect to the influencers out there composing damaging tweets, my concern on these days was not to work on my side hustle. It was to get my mind right!

On the days of anxiety I am reminded of Philippians 4:6-7. This has been my anchor scripture for years. I’ve shared in the past that in 2017 I suffered for anxiety attacks. And this scripture got me through it. So I know it works.

This scripture is so much more than a feel good scripture. It’s an instruction scripture with a beautiful exchange. Below I’ll break down the points.

1. Instruction – Don’t be anxious about anything

2. The scriptures tells you how this is possible. You pray about everything! In that prayer you ask God to help you and tell Him what’s on your heart

3. You give Him thanksgiving as you let your requests be known

4. By doing the first 3 points, you’re exchanging your burden for His peace.

We have to cast our burdens onto the one who is in control and the one who cares. And that is God. Until you cast your anxieties to Him, that ‘to do list’ will remain undone. You must first settle your mind instead of trying to distract it with things.’

If you are one of the people who finally has the time to rest, rest. There is a difference between being lazy and resting. Deep down within you, you know. If you’re fighting the rest your body needs because you’re anxiously trying to ‘make the most’ of your time, you’re doing so in vain!

And lastly it’s ok to watch TV! In a time where we must be so intentional about guarding our hearts from the trauma that we see, what you watch is important. Don’t sit down and watch the news all day everyday. It doesn’t help. I limit my news time to half an hour a day just so I can be updated on any new government announcements and also so I know what to pray for. Instead I fill my screen/ audio time with podcasts, sermons and catching up with season 15 and 16 of Greys anatomy.

I strongly believe that during this season you will be able to achieve something’s you maybe couldn’t have done if you were not in quarantine. What this looks like differs from person to person. The scripture says we should let God lead us in the way that we should go. It doesn’t say let social media or your favourite influencer lead you.

A prayer that I will be giving to God each day this week is this

God, thank you for this time. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need and when I need it. Lord in this season, I ask you to fill it with whatever it is that is needed. Order my steps this day and every other day and help me to have the courage to do whatever it is that you lead me to do. Amen

Whether God ask you to use this day to rest or He gives you the idea of a life changing invention, this prayer simply submits yourself to Him.

No day with Gods direction is a day that is wasted.

This season is one that will come and go. But while you’re in it, be present. Comparing your daily victories to what others portray, robs you from actually doing what ever it is you’re meant to be doing. Victory varies from person to person but one thing about victory that remains the same is the One who gives it to you.

Submit your days on to God so that they are guilt free and exactly what they are meant to be.

Xoxo