All the daily News Briefs and reviews of those in the news, has left me feeling overwhelmed, at times! There have been times I couldn't go back to sleep when I got up to use the facilities in the night, because I was trying to process all of this or plan what I should do next. Although this situation exists, Jesus doesn't want us overcome with fear. He most definitely doesn't want us to turn to counterproductive things like overeating or other vices that can leave us with a much bigger problem than we already have! I feel He gave me the feeling that I need to be noting the things that give me Joy during this period....
Trying to be prayerful about trying to change my overwhelmed feeling during this period of Social Isolation, I was reminded of how we had breakfast on the patio of friends last year. We had such a wonderful time together visiting and enjoying the out doors. I figured that my husband and I should start having breakfast together each morning on our little patio. We have been doing it since and it's wonderful! It brings us Joy and gives us fresh air, we enjoy the weather, nature and just being together without the focus on everything else.
I have joy when family members contact us by text, calls, Face time, and Google Hangouts!
I got great joy when family came over and the younger ones played in our backyard while we all stayed 10 feet apart.
A different day, it had rained prior to having the young ones come for a social distance visit. They were splashing in the puddles in our driveway having loads of fun. I have always felt that splashing in rain puddles is some of the simple fun of being a kid, so I joined them in splashing in the puddles, although we stayed ten feel apart. What Joy!!!
I got joy in hearing the response when a news reporter asked an expert if there are any positive things that have come from the Covid 19 virus. Although I don't remember all of what he said, the parts that tickled me were that there is less traffic and smog on LA highways. I thought I should start thinking of this in similar terms.
I get joy when I thing that this virus has caused more families to have together time!
I have joy having time to look for recipes and cooking them to utilize the foods we have on hand.
I get joy in watching old shows like F Troop with my husband, which brings back fond memories of watching it with my dad and family when I was younger.
I get joy in getting to work on my blog posts, some of which I had gotten behind on.
I get joy in having time to do more research on a project that I've been involved in.
I get joy in reading magazines that have been sitting around for a while.
I get joy in just thinking about things that give me joy during this time of great stress!
I get joy in talking with friends that I haven't talked to in some time.
I get joy in reading my Bible each morning, to set the tone of my day, so I'm focused on Christ and not the virus!
I get joy in walking on the treadmill most days in order to stay healthy.
I get joy when I feel Christ's Peace Which Passes All Understanding that calm me after I hear the Press Releases that make me concerned.
I get joy, because of the thoughtfulness of neighbors who have asked if there is anything they can get for us at the store during this social isolation. So thoughtful!!!
I got joy as my husband and I ate breakfast together and saw two baby rabbits chasing each other across the lawn!
I get joy when I found out that some younger ones decided on their own to start each day with morning devotional after reading a Bible verse or passage. What a wonderful thing!!!!