We have all found ourselves in a unique and universal reversal of roles and expectations during this time of quarantine. What was once typical has now become impossible. So, I am hoping during these confusing and sometimes complicated times, that I could share a few certainties to encourage our souls and our roles.
During times of uncertainty there are some things that are certain. When I focus on these, I know I will continue to get stronger. Here are a few certainties that I can focus on:
- I can choose to be humble. I love that God is ultimately in control and that He has put me in charge of me and only me. That does not mean, however, that it is all about me! It is all about humbly allowing God to use me! An example of this, was when I received a handwritten note from a colleague that was sent snail-mail during this online existence. It was personal and thoughtful and just what I needed. And now I am going to pass this blessing unto others.
- I can choose to believe that God’s ways are always good. He has my best interests in mind. His grace will cover my weaknesses and give me wisdom in the uncertainties. If I am struggling to let go of expectations or my desires, I can seek God and know that He will give me the strength I need.I can invest the time and effort to do my best and then allow God to do the rest! A personal example is my Prayer Walk. Some days my walk is long and some days not so much, but this is my time to pray and to dwell on the blessings I have in this day. I am thankful for the small blessings like enjoying my favorite candle or thanking God for the help to make healthy choices and by the time I am back home my heart is lighter and my hope meter is full.
- I can be flexible! I am so thankful that life has not turned out exactly the way I thought it should. For me, it has become so much better than I could have hoped especially when I let go of negativity and worry and held on to God’s Promises. For me, flexibility is always looking for ways to be joyful and have fun. This week I am making blended coffees (I found recipes online) and trying new ways to do ordinary things like singing as I vacuum and jumping on the trampoline with my grandchildren.
- I am certain that our children will learn and get stronger when they are allowed to solve problems. If they need my help, I will be ready to guide them without taking away the opportunity for them to struggle and do hard things, because that is where their strength is developed.
- I can focus each day on being a learner and not an expert. When that is my heart, God will give me hope and direction in the moment, as I continually seek Him. For me, this is learning new ways to use technology, even when I would much rather sit with others or give my friends and coworkers a hug!
- When life gets back to a more normal routine, I can remember the lessons I have learned, so that I don’t have to go through the same struggles over and over again. I can move forward in my faith and dependence on God’s grace knowing I am more resilient than I have ever been!
- I am certain God never expects perfection. I believe God does want us to move in the right direction, which means growing in our faith every day and making mistakes along the way.
I hope you are taking the time as a family, both collectively and individually, to pray and read God’s Word. I like to sing verses with my grandchildren and we do a fun Bible activity from the website “Hello Bible” each month. I am sure there are many other similar resources out there that you know of, as well. My hope and prayer is that our children will remember this time not as a time of fear, but a time when our families came together and were strengthened in their faith and love for each other.
By: Marlene Stauffer, Counselor at Bellevue Christian School
We invite you to call the Admissions Office today at (425) 460-3300, apply online at bellevuechristian.org or email BCS at admissions@bellevuechristian.org. We are happy to setup a tour or tell you more about our special programs, Athletics, Arts and Academics. Bellevue Christian is excited to work alongside you to prepare your child to live faithfully for God.
