Well, how was it? Your first week of isolation. Was it all you thought it would be? It really is interesting watching the different personality types adapt to this new life we are living right now. My brother-in-law, who is quite the introvert, is in “introvert heaven” right now. Any excuse to NOT see others is just fine with him. Now, mind you, on a daily basis this introvert sees and interact with people in extraordinary ways. He’s a businessman who leads a team of employees; he’s an elder at a church who daily encourages and mentors others; he’s a father and grandfather who coaches little league and rides grandkids around his land on his tractor. You see, in his normal, daily life, he reaches beyond his natural “want tos” and inclinations to be who God needs him to be. I love that! My sister, his wife, is his opposite. She’s always up to host a party or mentor a young woman or counsel a friend whose marriage needs help. This time right now, this time of self-isolating, is tough for her. She’s eager to get back to normal and have a party! But, like many of you, she is making the most of it. She’s built forts with her grandkids, cooked delicious meals for her family, and probably read more books this week than I have read all year. In other words, she is also being who God needs her to be. 

Where are you in this battle with the virus? Are you living your best life in isolation or are you marking off the days with a piece of chalk as if you’re trapped in a cave? Or are you somewhere in between. 

That’s where I find myself. Somewhere in between. I love a good party and have hosted plenty, but a good party for me is having my family over for a game of Uno. I do love people, but I tend to be on the introverted side of things when it comes to interaction with others. Recently, I heard the description of an extroverted introvert. Maybe that’s me. When I was a child, the teachers described me as shy. My mom also described me as shy, but when I was with my family or close friends, I could be the life of the party or, at least, I thought I was. This is still true today. I can and will and do speak to crowds in the hundreds, lead mentoring groups, have a radio show, run a summer camp, and choose teaching as a profession, but I will get nervous meeting new people—every single time. 

So, in this season of isolation, I’m doing pretty well with the limitations. I’m blessed with enough family in the neighborhood so my love of others is being satisfied. My introverted self can handle being home for several days without seeing anyone, but family is different. I want to see them. My oldest grandson said he thinks I’m living my best life with family basically stuck in my neighborhood. He could be right. I’m not gonna lie, I love that my family, at least the ones that live close to me, can’t leave for a while. But I’m missing those who are quarantined in other places. We’re a family that is constantly going—driving or flying in and out, so being stuck has been a good thing for those of us stuck together, at least for the first week. But, we have others “stuck” elsewhere and I miss them. I have two granddaughters “stuck” in Huntsville, a daughter and grandson “stuck” in Nashville, and a grandson “stuck” in McKinney (he’s with a girlfriend so he’s good. Lol), so we call and facetime frequently, which we do most days anyway. I’ll be overjoyed when we can all be together. And, I missed some speaking engagements that I was really looking forward to and, of course, I miss church and all of those activities. But, I’m good taking a break and staying home for a bit. 

I’ve enjoyed cleaning my closet and trying to play the piano and washing and drying the used towels from the swimmers coming over and trying to cook (at least put forth an effort) and taking long afternoon walks with my hubby and watching a movie or two (which we never do) and reading my bible and listening to podcasts. It’s amazing how much there is to do when there’s nothing to do. 

So we’re on to week two. We can do it because we are asked to and there are certainly worse things. As you (and me) jump or slide or slip or crawl into week two, let’s remember a few things.

1. Remember God is not surprised by any of this.
2. Remember we are stronger and more resilient than we think we are.
3. Remember your children will come out tougher on the other side of this.
4. Remember the people making the major decisions don’t need our grumbling, but our gratefulness.
5. Remember love of people always trumps loss of things.
6. Remember hope is a very powerful mental trait. Make plans for something now that you can look forward to.
7. Remember people will rise above this and many, many good things will come out of it. 
8. Remember it’s the toughest of times that bring out our creative bests. Start creating! 
9. Remember it’s in hard times that gratitude flourishes. 
10. Remember, once this quarantine is over, every hug will be the best hug ever!  

So, have a great week!