Where do you fall on the spectrum for adaptability to the quarantine?

It seems that some are enjoying the change of pace, while others are panicking at the thought of all this going on a few more weeks.

I have witnessed many find exciting new rhythms, start side projects, and thoroughly enjoy the time with those they love.

I’m also seeing others who are bored, restless, and feeling hopeless for a future solution.

As the tangible anticipation over resuming normal life escalates, I find myself hesitating to speak up about how I really feel about the quarantine being lifted.

Why on earth would I be even the slightest bit bummed that things may soon begin to normalize? That life could resume outside of the extensive quarantine restrictions?

Because I have no idea when my own confinement will end.

“Misery loves company” may be an overused cliché, but it is far from an embellishment. When life is most difficult, knowing we are not alone has the potential to provide a jolt of encouragement… Even if it is at the expense of those involved.

Even if the past few months have not been much different for me from the past few years, there was still a sense of everyone else being in the same boat with me.

Not for long.

As government officials gradually begin to pull back the restrictive measures, I find myself wondering, Already? How did that go so fast? Then I realize it has been nearly 2 months.

Do I want family and friends to be miserable? Absolutely not. I want people to be able to get back to work. To attend events. To be together in groups.

I just want to be able to do it, too.

As humans, we tend to believe that fairness is not only expected but required. Should we expect God to dole out perfectly balanced blessings and opportunities, while carefully minimizing and evenly spreading out hardship, as if he were required to?

Why the emphasis on a perfectly even playing field?

Our tendency to become consumed with comparing our situations to what others are experiencing is nothing new. After Jesus rose from the dead, he informed a few of his closest followers some of what they could expect in the future.

Peter, in particular, was singled out by Jesus and was informed about the type of horrific death that awaited him as a martyr. Wanting to ensure this was not solely his cross to bear (pun intended), Peter points to his fellow disciple, saying, “What about him?”

Jesus’s words are telling: “What is it you? You must follow me.”

My job isn’t to look over my shoulder at what others are getting to experience. My job is to do the best I can with what is in front of me. No matter the circumstances.

What is interesting is that when we get so fixated on wanting to ensure we are not suffering worse than others, it becomes easy to lose sight of just how fortunate we are.

I may not yet be able to go out, but I get to spend time with Stephanie and enjoy her cooking every night.

I may not be able to go for a jog to escape being stuck inside, but I am more healthy, alert, and clearheaded than I have been in years.

I may not have a physical office or coworkers that I’m eager to get back to, but I have still been able to find meaningful work in completing my book.

There is still much to be grateful for.

I’m glad the world is starting to open back up and I look forward to the day where I can rejoin society.

Until then, however, I need to trust where God has me in the journey.

No matter what.

---

To follow my journey via e-mail click here

I released a mini e-book to commemorate ten years since my accident. Check it out here

Have you seen my resource list? Hope this can help

Check out my list of 25 favorite books