Hello friends, I am so glad to join you again this week. I hope you are staying healthy and well. As things begin to open up little by little, I urge you to continue to follow precautions and be safe. I am glad to see the dark cloud of COVID to pass by a bit. It is always good to see the sun after a dark day, isn’t it? When I feel its warmth and glowing rays, I am reminded I am loved by God. It felt good to see the sun again in my own life as of late.
As I have shared recently, I am going through some very sad times. Perhaps, I am at my lowest point. The life-giving power of loved ones is lifting me up, though. God is using them to remind me of my purpose and value. Though I am driven into the ground, so shall I rise. I can come back from the dead.
That is how I felt lately— dead. No life within me. No love. No purpose. No hope. I was enveloped by the darkness of my own despair and brokenness. It felt impossible to rise above. My dear family and friends came to my aid and pulled me up from the pit life and my bad decisions tossed me into. They encouraged me to get out of bed, wash the sadness from my face, and go outside to bask in the sun. The spring weather has been absolutely gorgeous. The sweet aroma of honeysuckles fills the air. The rich orchestra chirping crickets and croaking frogs fills the cool night air. It is so good to feel life again.
I know there is so much death, despair, fear, and anxiety in the hearts and minds of humankind right now. We are worried about our physical and mental health, and for good reason. Life is still prevailing. It will prevail. Better and more abundant tests are on the way. Vaccines are in development. People are working around to clock to help those in need. So many have pulled together to not only survive but to thrive amidst this straining time.
For those who are struggling with mental health challenges, you are not alone and you are cared about. You are cared about within the social distancing and the isolation by God and a host of people.
For those of you like myself who are dealing with other personal difficulties such as the loss of a job, a loved one, or a relationship, you are not alone or forgotten.
Human suffering is not a competition. Oh, how I can not stress this enough. Whether you are living with the pain caused by something COVID-related or not, your sorrow is not less valid. The stings of life’s many potential hardships are never to be taken lightly. We should always try our best to me empathetic and bear each other’s burdens. May this time of strife serve as a reminder to enjoy and appreciate even life’s smallest joys. The company of friends, the warm embrace of a family member, and the butterflies of a first date are amazing experiences we should always appreciate. Nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is promised. Value life. Value the lives of others and yourself. It is damaged way too easily and ends way too quickly. Rise out of bed and go soak up the sunshine, it’s waiting to smile down upon you.
Check out these resources to take care of yourself during this stressful time:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/managing-mental-health-during-covid-19
https://mhanational.org/covid19
As always, like, comment, and follow to read my latest content. I love connecting with you all and hearing your thoughts. Take care, take it in, and see you next week.
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” ― Abraham Lincoln
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Take it in 