Life has always been a risk. There are risks in relationships, marriage, birthing, adoption, finance, careers, education, traveling. These risks are part of everyday life where we have to take a chance, weigh pros and cons, and be vulnerable. These are also the very risks that add vitality, depth, and color into our lives!
2020: The word risk feels a lot heavier in COVID-19 pandemic parenting. Gathering feels like a risk. School is a risk. Working and not working are risks. Typically, in our parenting sessions, Marv and I can speak off of our past experiences in counseling and parenting. But we have never parented in a pandemic before. So we are right here with you. Our life stage might be different, but we are here walking with you.
REALITY
Our reality today on earth in October 2020 is that we are in a pandemic. There is division, unrest, and violence in our country. Families are feeling losses. Many are faced with uncertainty and financial stress as they try to navigate crisis schooling and distance learning. There is tension in the air and in our homes.
“We are either coming out of a crisis, in the middle of a crisis, or headed toward a crisis.”
Max Lucado
Crises are not foreign to us. While in my lifetime, I have never seen the world shut down in such a manner as in the last 6 months, our lives have been challenged and shaped by the crises we face. Life has always been a risk. How do we live life so that we can cut down the unwanted risks and enhance life? How can we continue to live with a smile on our face and a twinkle in our eye?
REFRESH
If you look at the world, you will be distressed. If you look within, you will be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you will be at rest.
Corrie Ten Boom
The tension in our lives exposes the unrest in our souls. How we respond is our responsibility. Will the long term impact of our responses add beauty and color? In our series, I want to help us work on our focus as we find joy in our lives. This is something we CAN DO! Life is beautiful, and we need to fix our eyes on a new truth that will help us.
RESOURCE
God, you are such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!
Psalm 46:1 [The Passion Translation]
You are a proven help in time of trouble;
more than enough and always available whenever I need you.
Early in his role as king, Solomon had an encounter with God. God invited him to ask for whatever he wanted, and God would provide it. Solomon essentially said, “Help me, God! I’m a king,” and asked for a discerning heart (I Kings 3:7-9). If this is what wise King Solomon needed, surely, Joyce – as wife, mom, nana – can cry out, “Help me, God!” We all need a discerning heart to know how to love and manage our family well.
I love the words of Max Lucado in You’ll Get Through This, “You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime don’t be foolish or naive. But don’t despair either. With God’s help you will get through this.”
RE-DO
Our comfort level for risks vary with our personalities and experiences. Can we take a break from the judgement? Some of you have spouses who prioritize protection over gain (risk-averse). Others have a mindset more indifferent to risk and focus on potential gains (risk-neutral). When we judge, we get division and unrest. Instead, can our family get a balance? Check the risk and discuss the options: What will you lose if . . . ? What will you gain if . . . ?
Risk isn’t always the enemy. We have to balance our willingness to assume risk with our willingness to live a colorful life. Commit to creating healthy and appropriate responses while balancing your physical, emotional, and spiritual response. Be encouraged that you can establish new habits while moving forward with hope!