Welcome to working from home. Welcome to staying at home. Welcome to “social distancing.”
For the last few years, I’ve been working in my own apartment, video-chatting with my co-workers and spending a whole lot of time in my own house. I’ve also spent the last 8 months in a vocational sabbatical, and I’ve learned that as people, we often are anxious when we’re forced to be alone. To be silent. To have space.
With the current pandemic, what is being brought to light is a whole lot of large-scale fear and anxiety and this is our chance to respond well. I know. Dream Big.
How do we live alone in our homes? How do we avoid contact with the large crowds that we like to fade into? What do we do with silence? How do we not let it make us crazy?
Lent is a season of setting things aside that distract us from God. And it’s an opportunity to get uncomfortable and face some of the things we’ve been burying. I think it’s kind of beautiful that this is all happening during Lent. That we are being forced to be uncomfortable. I actually believe that maybe it’ll frame this time of social distancing in a new light. So here are some things to consider:
Step One: Slow Down. When we’re anxious, our brain tells us to SPEED UP. And that is a recipe for scrolling through constant content and winding up your already speedy brain. Do breathing exercises. Find something to focus on like memorizing scripture or picking up a hobby you used to have. This is an opportunity, not a war.
Step Two: Stop. Stop reading every article, listening to every podcast and watching every news show you can get your hands on. We know what we need to know and there are places to get updates, but we don’t need to glue ourselves to the story 24/7. In fact, being home alone or at least socially distancing and doing that is going to make you crazy. It’s asking for panic. It’s begging for a racing mind. Yes—stay informed. But you don’t need to hear every voice tell you over and over again that we’re not in control of this and it’s scary. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7.)
Step Three: Connect. This isn’t A Quiet Place. You can go outside, people. Wash your hands and don’t assume you’re trapped in your basement forever. You can FaceTime and video chat with people that you wouldn’t normally have the time to reach out to. Text that college friend you haven’t had room in your calendar to do a good catch up with and make it happen. Ask about what’s new and what’s good and how you can cheer them on. Without sports practice and school and commuting, you suddenly have a lot of time on your hands and you shouldn’t waste it.
Also, check in on your friends who are struggling with depression or anxiety. Lift one another up (Ephesians 4:15-16) and make sure your single friends who live alone are doing okay. Texting and calling aren’t banned, team.
Step Four: Move. Go on walks and work out in your living room and have a dance party with your kids. Or by yourself. I’ve been known to sing-yell Dixie Chicks in my kitchen. It’s cathartic. When we’re anxious, we build up adrenaline (think: fight for flight vibes) and it needs a way out. So jump or run or do squats or whatever you need to to wear your body out in a good way.
Step Five: Linger. This is a great time to linger in scripture. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, y’all (Hebrews 13:8.) This is a great time to read narratives instead of quick verses here and there. Try to read something different like 1 Samuel or Exodus or explore new passages of scripture. And to linger in other places that bring you spiritual growth like listening to podcasts or reading articles (not about COVID-19) that bring you closer to Jesus. Been wanting to learn about someone in the Bible? Guess what: this is the time.
In fact, check out this awesome resource for bible study. It’s a solid resource by a professor names Thomas Constable who compiled a bunch of other reliable resources and made a sort of Best-Of collection of commentaries. Click on “Constable’s Notes” and learn away!
Speaking of resources, here’s a list of great Podcasts to listen to instead of watching the news 24/7:
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
Jesus Over Everything with Lisa Whittle
Made For This with Jennie Allen
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs
Also, here is a great little prayer guide that my friends at IF:Gathering made about anxiety.
Also, Also, I made you this playlist of songs that remind me what matters most.
And this playlist is for the dance party you NEED TO HAVE to shake it off.
And finally: I wrote a book about anchoring in what matters. Maybe grab one for you and a friend?
This is an opportunity to live well and be intentional and maybe face some things you’ve been shoving aside. Yes, this is a scary sort of event. But no, it doesn’t have to be the end of your sanity. Live in this Forced Lent and allow the space that’s been freed up to set you free.