In less than 24 hours our lives have changed. Protocols, recommendations, and standards have been set. We all react differently. Some with fear, anxiety, and depression. Others with scepticism, anger, and opinions.

No matter our thoughts and beliefs we are all in this together. Our lives have been changed, tipped upside down.

I admit I was frustrated at first. Being a momma of 3 littles I rely on my weekly outings and playdates to get me through the long days.

This morning God had me in a quiet place. All of my household slept in until 7:30 am (absolutely unheard of). A question streamed into my heart. What is the good? God, I know You work all things out for good. I know You have what is best. So, what is the blessing I am not seeing? All of a sudden I felt this weight lift.

We have been striped. Striped from the filling of our lives, hearts, and minds. From social activities and events, sports, work and academics. All the things our nation has worked so hard to fill us with. What are we going to turn to now? How are we going to spend these days? When there is a void we will fill it with something.

Quarantine has left us completely empty. No social engagements to make us feel important. No sports to build our egos. No church service to lean on. No school to challenge the mind. No bars to bandage our emotional pain. We all have something. We all have a space that is now completely empty. What are we going to turn to? How are we going to refill?

I believe this is s reset. We have been given an opportunity. The reset button has been pushed. What are we going to do about it?

I know in my own heart I hear God telling me to pick up the Bible more. To read and be filled with Truth and Love.

While we may be socially isolated we live in an age with vast ways to communicate. Call a friend and just talk. Send a text to check on the neighbor. Write a letter to that family member you have lost touch with.

And our families. What a blessing to spend time focusing on our kids and spouses. Have that talk with your son you have wanted to have for months. Play dress up with your daughter. Read to your kids or listen to an audiobook. Write your spouse a love note. Try a new recipe. Make cookies together as a family. The possibilities are endless.

These times are not for hanging our heads or shouting out with pride, “I saw that one coming!”

These times are for re-evaluating what is important. For resetting our sites. For getting quiet and asking God, how can I fill this void? What do You have for me, my family and my community in this season?

Listen….Wait. God will speak.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ESV

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. NLT

1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. NLT

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. NKJV

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. NIV