Essentially

There have been a LOT of new words added to our daily lexicon in the last twelve weeks...words that I would not miss if they disappeared once again. Catch phrases used to scold or educate or encourage or humor. But in the end, they all seem trite.

Quarantine. Social distancing. Face mask. Furlough. The New Normal. Flatten the curve. We're all in this together. Stay home. Shelter in place.

Ugh.

I'm so tired of ALL of it. The commercials on television that try to elicit all the feels. Sorry, not feeling it anymore. You irritate me, and that is all. Go away.

And let's not forget the word "essential".

Essential may mean different things to different people. There are things that are essential to our physical needs...food, water, a safe place to sleep at night. But what about those things that are essential to our mental needs? Our spiritual needs? Equally as important, and still essential.

Nature walks. TOTALLY essential. When I am desperate to get out of my house and out of my head, these walks do wonders for my outlook. And guess what? We talk to people! Outdoors! Without face masks! It is wonderful.

Dog walks and car rides to local ice cream stands. TOTALLY essential for family fun.

Time spent together at home, as a family, just watching movies or building puzzles. Essential!

And when we need to balance that time at home with time out in the world, we do it. Responsibly. Loving our neighbors while supporting our small town businesses and farms.

Church life is essential to our family. And the longer we stay apart, the more we feel the loss. It is essential that we meet together as the body of Christ again...soon!

My essential needs are probably a lot different than someone else's needs, and that is fine. That is what makes us unique individuals. Not all of us are going to do this "essential" thing the same way. There is no one right way and wrong way. There are risk factors and thoughtful decisions that each person will have to weigh in the days ahead.

Let's remember that in these "not new normal at all" days and not get too judgy. A good measure of patience and grace and love shown to our families and neighbors and fellow shoppers and townsfolk will go a LONG way to coming out of this as better people.

Lord willing, we can learn to put our confidence and trust where it belongs. Holding on to God's promises. Essential!

Blessings, cafe friends!