Covid-19: an opportunity for growth

I've touched on this topic for the past couple of weeks, but now it has officially hit our community head-on. There is no hiding behind a curtain now. We have to accept what has happened and work together to get through it. And we WILL get through it.

Clint and I are both working from home for at least the next 30 days. We're only on day four, but so far, so good. I haven't wanted to kick him out...yet. ;). But as we've been required to stay inside as much as humanly possible, I've been pondering quite a bit. Just sinking into my thoughts surrounding all of this, and wondering how this is going to impact us long-term. And I mean SUPER long-term. Like 20+ years from now.

What are you going to learn from this? What are you going to take away from this? I think a lot of people, including myself, have come to recognize how much we LOVE those we love; how much we NEED quality time with those we care about. It's no longer simply something we enjoy...it's a necessity. We crave it more than we ever realized.

I've also come to appreciate the world around me. While we have to approach it cautiously and still maintain social distancing, Covid-19 has opened up a huge door to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. It encourages us to no longer stay cooped up inside our home, since that's all we CAN do outside of...getting outside! It has made me appreciate the evening walks with my dogs so much more. It has made me appreciate all of the conservation efforts that go on in the state of Missouri, and across the U.S.. The fact that we have 91 state parks in Missouri, most of which are still open to exploring, is a wonderful thing. Clint and I have several that are less than an hour drive from our house. Without those, we'd literally lose our minds.

Even before Covid-19, we knew that we wanted to maintain a pretty active/outdoorsy lifestyle with our future children. But now that this tragedy has hit us full-force, it makes me want that even more. There is a HUGE world out there, just waiting to be explored. And a lot of it is right in your backyard. Take advantage of it.

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The other day there was a video circling that featured the "Rise Up" song by Andra Day. I'd link it for you here but I can't, for the life of me, find it anywhere. It showed all of the various ways doctors, nurses and our community in general are working to lift each other up. And one of the clips it featured was of an older woman, likely living in a nursing home, and her (likely) granddaughter was at her back patio door with her hand held up pointing to a ring on her left hand. The grandmother was smiling for ear-to-ear. She was so happy for her granddaughter. I was in tears.

These are the types of moments that we would normally take for granted. Telling our grandmother or loved one that we're getting married. This is something Covid-19 has taught me...don't take the little things for granted.

I can't simply go home for a weekend right now, like I could a month ago. I can't go visit my nieces and nephew. I can't go eat at our favorite sushi restaurant (though we can order take-out, and I encourage you to do so). I can't go get fruity cocktails at Golden Girl. I. Can't. Go. To. TARGET. *insert crying emoji*. Yes, Target is still open, but I definitely wouldn't be going there for "essentials".

Think of all the random things you miss right now. If you're really following the "stay at home" order, then likely the list is pretty long. Once this thing is over, and it WILL be over, don't lose sight of those things you missed. Just because you're able to do them again doesn't downgrade their importance. Remember how you felt in this moment and thank God that you're able to, once again, do all of those things you took for granted before Covid-19 invaded your community.

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I've touched on this topic before, but want to reiterate after listening to North Point Church's service this past Sunday. And that is the idea that He's got this. Trust in him. Believe that He is in control.

We will get through Covid-19 no matter what. But if you have God as your backbone, your foundation, your rock...you're going to get through it a lot quicker and a lot stronger. Things can get pretty messy without a solid foundation. And that goes for pretty much any scenario you may attach to it. Relationships, businesses, etc. They all depend on, first and foremost, having a solid foundation. Something to ground you/it. A relationship with God, the universe, the spirit...is the perfect place to start.

When you begin to lose faith, remember where and how you started. You are here for a reason and God is with you every step of the way...on your path to fulfill your purpose. Covid-19 hasn't taken away that purpose; it may have just put a boulder in your path. But that's okay. Because guess what?! He's with you. :)

Yes, Covid-19 has rocked our community. And it is likely going to continue to for the next 6+ months. But don't let it be a constant negative aspect in your life. What are some positive things you can get out of it? For me, it's getting outside, recognizing how much I love those I love, no longer taking for granted those things that I did before, and taking this opportunity to lean further into my faith. I don't believe with a single part of my soul that God put Covid-19 on this earth. I do, however, believe that this is our opportunity to put deeper trust in Him. It's our opportunity to come together as a Christian faith and do everything we can to help our communities through this difficult time.

Try your hardest not to wallow in the sadness that is going on around you. Yes, these are incredibly difficult times, but drowning in your sorrows isn't going to help us move past this. Put your faith and trust in Him. Seek out ways you can help those around you. Do your part and we will come out on the other side.

Thinking of all of you and your loved ones. Wishing you peace and prosperity.

XOXO,

Unapologetically Blog

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