Stay home, Stay safe (What I have learned these last two months in isolation)

As the state of Michigan starts talking about opening up again and people leaving their homes, after this long season of staying home and staying safe ends. My husband and I find ourselves really considering what we have learned during this time.  We want to take away from this time at home some valuable life lessons to take into the future.

For me I realize there is something amazing that happens in our home when we know that no one is stopping by, and we are not going anywhere.  I think for most Americans there is an over awareness of what others think about us.  For me this isn’t a huge factor in how I live day to day, because I have learned it really only matters what Yehovah thinks of me.  But, even I, have the awareness that others are going to see my yard, my kitchen, my bathroom, my kids, my husband, and they are going to have an opinion about what they see.  I am sure you all know what I am talking about.  Even my kids have an awareness that their friends are coming over, or we are going to see people at church.  That awareness affects each of us and how we go about our days and weeks. It affects how we clean our homes, how we plan our schedule, and even how we treat one another.

But when all those interactions are removed there is a weight lifted.  A presser removed.

All of a sudden, only the people here at home matter.  Only what needs done here and now matters.  The priorities come clearly into focus, and the unfounded worries fall away.

For our family this season of being alone together at home has been a time of peace and joy.   My husband and I have noticed that our special needs children have really loved this time.  They have not had any demands from outsiders placed on them.  They can just relax and be themself.  We have noticed that we, as parents, are enjoying focusing in on the children more.  We are not distracted by the next meeting, the next errand, the next distraction.   We have read more books together, we have sung more songs together, we have ate more meals together, we have prayed more prayers together, and we have learned more new things together.

I am not saying that I never want to have people over ever again.  That would not be fun at all.  I am not saying that I don’t want to go anywhere ever again.  That would be no fun at all.

All I know is that Jeremy and I have decided that staying home and interacting with our children will their young is too important to let other things distract us from that very, very important priviledge and calling.

So, as my older children begin returning to their jobs, I will be staying home with the little ones having lots and lots of fun.  Playing, planting, running, mowing, creating, baking, making, reading, writing, praying, and so much more.

I pray your home is a home full of shalom.

Shalom and Love to all.

Written by Katie