Hello church family
I‟m aware there are people doing it tough out there. We seem to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel as restrictions are so cautiously loosened. We can have a small number of visitors in our home. We can get out a bit more for shopping and exercise. But I know first-hand that not everyone is doing as well as they would like. Living in close quar-ters with people for such an extended time is paying its toll on us. (Love you, honey). I think the original fear of catching a rampant disease has given way to simply coping with those whom we have spent the majority of our time over the last couple of months. For some of us, the “getting back to normal” is just as scary as coping with life in isolation. Please, if you are doing it tough, if you‟re feeling low, angry or irritable, don‟t take it out on those around you – call someone. Talk about it. Do something about it. Keep in touch with family and friends. Be kind to your spouse and children.
Firstly, remember it is “not the test that is the test, but how we respond to the test that‟s the test”. Our attitude goes a long way as to how we cope with any situation. As Christ follow-ers, I think we have so much to be able to tap into. We need to remember that “greater is he that is within me than he that is in the world.” And as we have been studying in Romans 8, we know that we are never alone, never abandoned, and never powerless. We have security, hope and love in the Lord. We need to get back into good habits, like getting up at our usual time, eating regular meals and getting some exercise. And don‟t forget that part of our regular routine should be starting our day with time in God‟s presence, taking in the word and having our morning talk with Jesus. If we take care of our spirit, and focus our eyes on Jesus for the day, our mental health, emotional health and well-being will follow.
Try not to lose your sense of humour. Remember, “A merry heart is as good as medicine.” (Prov 17:22) Sure, we need to not get complacent with hygiene and social isola-tion and keeping safe. But let‟s not allow ourselves to become depressed and despairing over this situation. Remember there are friends and family who love you. I encourage you to call someone if you are feeling lost or down or anxious. Very often, just talking with someone can lift off the cloud. There are so many things to do to stay grounded and feel connected. One of my favourite “escapes” is the “Holderness Family”. Penn and Kim Hold-erness are an American couple who have found that the best way to cope with life is to see the funny side, even in challenging times. Find a way to “blow off steam”. Go for a walk or turn up the music and dance like a crazy person. Share your stories. Have a laugh. Phone a friend. What ideas do you have for coping? What are your stories? Do you have a humor-ous story to share? Send it in an email and we will include it in next week‟s newsletter.
The Holderness Family You Tube
Focus on the Family Australia
You Version Bible App – many great Scripture plans to follow.
Pastor Glenda