Today I have decided to give up.
This afternoon, North Carolina was informed of a new directive to remain home until the end of April. Oh dear. The order doesn’t go into effect for another couple of days, but I feel like I already know what’s coming. I’ve been home for two weeks, and I’m not inclined to express exactly how that has gone. Another month is going to be… well, let’s just say that today I have decided to give up.
I’ve been trying to do a lot of things on my own in the recent days. I have spent many hours every day at my computer and many more hours on my phone trying to contact folks and coordinate efforts. I’ve driven to some houses and stood outside in the driveway waving to people inside their homes or yelling across carports. I’ve engaged in conference call after conference call. I’m learning more about technology than imaginable. I’ve considered contacting my seminary and complaining that I’m not equipped for all this stuff. I have been completely focused on the demands for my time. I’ve felt stressed and anxious, overwhelmed and hungry. (Yes, hungry! Why are there never enough snacks around this house?) I’ve eaten my meals in front of the coronavirus updates on TV, and I’ve gone right back to working. So today I have decided to give up.
To start, I give up meals away from the table. Eating with my family is going back to being a priority. That’s where we laugh and share stories and memories. That’s where we build our relationships and remember why we love each other so much. I enjoy my family and eating on the run has become a habit worth breaking.
I give up putting off exercise. My bicycle is covered in a filthy layer of garage dust and has two flat tires. I’m going to change that. This is a great neighborhood for biking, and I love to ride. Being outside is still acceptable (as long as I don’t stop to hug anyone).
I give up perfectionism. We are living in extraordinary times! While I always want to offer excellence, there is very little chance of things being picture-perfect any time soon. I’m going to do the best I can one day at a time, and I’m pretty sure God will be happy with my heart.
I give up sleepless nights. I refer you to the previous sentence… one day at a time, best I can, God happy… and I can already feel the stress dissolving.
I give up reading my Bible for work only. I spend so much time using it as a textbook – like a resource that I have to study, write about and teach to others. I want to sit down and savor the stories from cover to cover.
It occurred to me today that scripture doesn’t say to be flawless, only to do your best with Jesus in your heart. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NRSV) Nope, nothing about being immaculate or perfect. Just honor Jesus and thank God. Do my best and give God glory.
As we wind down the season of giving-things-up-for-Lent, I think I may be just getting started.
Giving Up,
Pastor Beth
This afternoon, North Carolina was informed of a new directive to remain home until the end of April. Oh dear. The order doesn’t go into effect for another couple of days, but I feel like I already know what’s coming. I’ve been home for two weeks, and I’m not inclined to express exactly how that has gone. Another month is going to be… well, let’s just say that today I have decided to give up.
I’ve been trying to do a lot of things on my own in the recent days. I have spent many hours every day at my computer and many more hours on my phone trying to contact folks and coordinate efforts. I’ve driven to some houses and stood outside in the driveway waving to people inside their homes or yelling across carports. I’ve engaged in conference call after conference call. I’m learning more about technology than imaginable. I’ve considered contacting my seminary and complaining that I’m not equipped for all this stuff. I have been completely focused on the demands for my time. I’ve felt stressed and anxious, overwhelmed and hungry. (Yes, hungry! Why are there never enough snacks around this house?) I’ve eaten my meals in front of the coronavirus updates on TV, and I’ve gone right back to working. So today I have decided to give up.
To start, I give up meals away from the table. Eating with my family is going back to being a priority. That’s where we laugh and share stories and memories. That’s where we build our relationships and remember why we love each other so much. I enjoy my family and eating on the run has become a habit worth breaking.
I give up putting off exercise. My bicycle is covered in a filthy layer of garage dust and has two flat tires. I’m going to change that. This is a great neighborhood for biking, and I love to ride. Being outside is still acceptable (as long as I don’t stop to hug anyone).
I give up perfectionism. We are living in extraordinary times! While I always want to offer excellence, there is very little chance of things being picture-perfect any time soon. I’m going to do the best I can one day at a time, and I’m pretty sure God will be happy with my heart.
I give up sleepless nights. I refer you to the previous sentence… one day at a time, best I can, God happy… and I can already feel the stress dissolving.
I give up reading my Bible for work only. I spend so much time using it as a textbook – like a resource that I have to study, write about and teach to others. I want to sit down and savor the stories from cover to cover.
It occurred to me today that scripture doesn’t say to be flawless, only to do your best with Jesus in your heart. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NRSV) Nope, nothing about being immaculate or perfect. Just honor Jesus and thank God. Do my best and give God glory.
As we wind down the season of giving-things-up-for-Lent, I think I may be just getting started.
Giving Up,
Pastor Beth
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