Friday, July 3, 2020

If you’re struggling more than normal, you’re not alone

Since about late February or early March, depending on the region of the world you live in, and depending on your family circumstances, and depending on whether you or your loved ones or friends were in different countries before COVID-19 hit, you can imagine feeling mentally, emotionally, and spiritually different than ever before.
What was slated to be a long grind certainly is not underwhelming in that regard. The rates of infection in various parts of the world are still alarming, and certain parts of the world are now experiencing some form of second wave, if in fact it isn’t the continuation or dregs of the first wave.
Within the three-pronged threat of COVID-19 (the medical, the social, the economic — all crises of massive proportions in their own right) there are all the hallmarks of a long-term crisis that can undo any of us, in several kinds of ways, at any point in time, from before now until whenever.
It may seem such an obvious thing to say, but if you are struggling more than normal, you are not alone.  In some ways this can sound like, “Don’t worry about it, because you’re not the only one.”  This is not what I mean to communicate.  I hope it is of great encouragement to you to know that if you’re not coping at the present moment, or if you’ve been overwhelmed, or at some future point you become overwhelmed, it is understandable, acceptable, and okay, even though you will hate feeling that way.
Massive change brings massive loss,
and in turn that creates massive grief.
There is no shame in feeling completely inadequate.  Many others are feeling the same way.  If you feel guilty for letting your family down, even if you know that feeling guilty makes no sense to you, give way to the absurdity of not knowing how to comprehend what’s going on.  There is no way we can comprehend the reason or the rationale for the present world situation.  Peace can come when we begin to admit that the problems we face are beyond comprehension.  Peace and maturity come from acceptance.  Work toward it.
We are in this together, and there are very many around the world who will either admit their overwhelm or deny it.  For those who deny it, we can understand their fear, even if we know it isn’t the best way.  But at least we can understand.  For those who are beside themselves with worry or anger, we pray simply that they would get the support that they need, so they can get through this period and be there for their loved ones.
If I assume that you are struggling with a level or several levels of inexplicable angst, my prayer is that you will be gentle with yourself, and able to simply acknowledge that you are doing the best you can, and one day at a time that is good enough.  You will get through this one day at a time.  Don’t expect too much of yourself.  Give yourself time and space and make some good things a priority.  Ensure that you have two or three things to look forward to every week.  This will give you hope and joy in your spirit, and peace will be the byproduct.  Also, make time to go deeper in your relationship with God.  Indeed, God is met in the mystery of now.


Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

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