It’s been a whole year since we all made adjustments because of the COVID-19 pandemic! We’ve all probably spent more time at home and less time out and about. Still from the start, many continued to go to work as essential workers while others stayed home for jobs and schools. There have been lots of adjustments to get back into these settings, and we’ve experienced changes and new ways to work, learn, shop, worship, or interact with others.
My family has spent much more time at home than before. School and work from home has become the new normal. Our kitchen is used more as almost all of our meals are prepared and eaten there. Our dining room and living room are also used for school work. Bedrooms provide a more private and quiet space for Zoom meetings. We’ve tried to find a sense of routine and normalcy, so the days and weeks at home can run together. While we’ve spent a bit of time in other settings when we can, these rooms in our home are really where it all happens right now! But sometimes I ask myself, what is really happening?
As I reflect on this last year, I think about the changes that have occurred. We’ve definitely learned a lot more about engaging with technology in new ways. We’ve (hopefully) learned more about respecting and understanding each other as we’ve spent so much time together. My kids have both grown taller and have needed bigger shoes! Even though we’ve experienced big changes (living through a pandemic), a lot of the growth because of these changes happens so slowly that it’s not something you notice from one day to another. Just like you don’t notice the physical growth as it happens, but when you compare heights and shoes to several months ago, we realize that changes have truly happened. It’s not only this way with our physical changes – it can be this way with our emotional, mental, and spiritual growth as well. Sometimes there might be big adjustments and obvious changes, but much of our growth and changes happen slowly over time. It’s not something that we notice each day. But when we look back and compare our actions or attitudes that we see more of these of these gradual changes.
Take some time to reflect back on your life over the last few weeks, months, or years. Celebrate the growth you have made over time. Identify those habits you want to hold on to, and those you don’t. And most importantly, look for the ways God has been at work throughout these times. Maybe you weren’t aware at the time just how God has used people and events to show you His presence and grace. Thank God for the way He is in the work of change and transformation in your life!
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry
