Hi, how are you going my friend? Are you feeling a little bit over the lock down, social distancing & isolation measures in this pandemic? Are you missing your family & friends?
First let’s grab our cuppas, treats & get settled for our time together…Now settled let’s begin…
Well, I can answer a resounding yes to all of the above!
I was going absolutely fine until Tuesday of this week but after experiencing Easter Sunday without family & fellowship, this lock down got a little too much!
We have been in pandemic home detention here in Australia for five weeks now with no end in sight for the next few months! I know it’s necessary but it’s a little wearying! We have the following measures here in our particular state…
- The only travel allowed is for essential work, to get groceries, for medical needs & to exercise locally or it’s a $1000 fine!
- We are allowed the daily walk/exercise, although no sitting or stopping while walking then straight back home!
- Social distancing of 1.5 metres when out & no groups over 2 people allowed other then those living in your own household & only for essential business!
I have also realized a few important factors in this time about routine…
Our new Norm
Before this time, I had put certain behavioral modifications into my ‘normal’ routine, for the management of pain with Diversional therapies. This was to keep my chronic health conditions, as far as possible managed, especially pain levels.
I likened the level I attained, in adopting these strategies, to a background noise. While one is always aware of the noise (pain), which can get a little annoying at times, it mainly stays at a bearable volume.
The following were some of the strategies I had adopted to cope with the chronic pain without having to take serious pain medication…
- Go for a drive around this coastal region we live in a few times a week, the seascape is a delight to my soul.
- Visit my daughter’s & grandchildren, when physically able, both locally & interstate (two of my daughter’s & four grandchildren live 1,000km away) this is a joy for this Mama’s heart.
- A slow walk by the water a few times a week, this refreshes my spirit.
- Meeting for a delightful morning tea each week with some amazing ladies for a share & prayer time together, often hosted in my home. A fun gal tea time!
Thus you can see how these lock down measures have impacted my pain management plan & strategies! The volume of the pain is increasing to a loud reverberation now.
You see I don’t do so well with phone calls or video chats with the Brain Malaise (Fibrofog) that these conditions give. I shared this strange but very real & debilitating malady in Listening…
So I’m left with mainly texting & emailing for communication with family & friends. This I can do & am very thankful that I have this technology however it’s not the same as face to face!
Challaging times
So feeling a little flat, well actually a little down since Tuesday (unusual for me) with this increased volume of pain. I thought I’d get praying & seek God’s wisdom first & foremost. The following wisdom was imparted…
“…I will give you treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, The Lord God…”
Isaiah 45:3
So, now I have been given this wise word, what does it actually mean? And what practical application does it have for my life & yours dear friend in this pandemic shadow!
We immediately think of darkness as a negative place. But not all places of darkness are bad or negative spaces… Let’s look at a few to see what I mean.
The seeds of delicious life sustaining fruit & vegetables need a quiet dark place under the earth to generate & grow!
The Dark depths of the ocean have some of the most amazing & beautiful creatures God has created!
The Dark night sky allows the light of secreted far away planets, stars & galaxies to shine brightly!
This can be said about creativity & productivity too! Out of the recesses of hardship, resilience & quiet reflection come some of the most creative & beautiful artworks, inventions & lifesaving equipment that we know today.
As I’ve been reflecting upon these examples & my situation at this time, I have become a little creative too!
Hidden wealth of creativity
Diversional therapy comes in many forms, so I had been toying with an idea of creating my own handbag over the last 12 months, as I haven’t been able to find the prefect one that is suitable for my particular needs!
It needed to be a shoulder bag that would hold my essential items, be soft, pliable & comfortable enough on my shoulder so as not to cause more pain there or under my arm.
So out of the shadow of pain, a hand crocheted shoulder bag that is perfect for my needs has been created, I even lined it, all made with materials I already had in my stash… it was great therapy & very practical too!
Adaption
This creativity increased my motivation, so I thought over the restrictions, how could I stay within these important government measures & yet continue important pain management strategies?
I studied the above lists, comparing mine to the restrictions…Lightbulb moment; we are allowed to travel in our own village for exercise, hmmmm…
Recently, hubby & I found that walking around our usual neighborhood route had some rather narrow spots that didn’t accommodate socal distancing very well with passing fellow walkers.
So, we now drive to the waterfront park in our little seaside village to take our walk. The park is wide & vast enough to accommodate social distancing with passing fellow walkers easily! And I get to have a little drive each time to look at the seascape! Yay!
I’m still missing family but I’m not alone in this as I’m sure you are too! Though I used creativity here too, I went online & ordered surprise gifts of love to be delivered to their homes until we can meet again, this lifted my spirit & theirs.
And finally for our ladies share & prayer we have created our own WhatsApp group, so we can text share our time online with our cuppas in hand at the same time each week!
What treasures of hidden wealth are being revealed from your secret spaces my friend, in this pandemic shadow?
Until next time,
Jennifer
Jennifer is a published author, discover more in The Book Nook
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© 2020 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, All Rights Reserved. Photos on Pexels.com
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God has a way of leaving hidden treasures for us to find just because He loves us. Thank you for encouraging us to seek God in this time of sheltering in place. I am praying that you continue to find ways to adapt and find creative outlets to keep you going. Blessings, dear friend!
That He does Mary! Thank you for your prayers it certainly is an interesting time for creativity! Bless you!
I, too, was beginning to get overwhelmed with all of this but know that there are, indeed, treasures aplenty to be discovered, enjoyed, appreciated and shared. Thanks for your sweet reminder this afternoon! Praying the rest of your week is blessed!
Thank you Jennifer! Yes, I love that thought ‘treasures to be discovered, enjoyed, appreciated & shared’.
Lovely having you drop by for a cuppa & you have a great name! 😉
Beautiful and authentic, Jennifer. And, wow, a fine for going out to places you aren’t allowed! I think this shelter-in-place is hard on all of us. I also missed preparing my Easter lunch and having family over. I desperatly miss my grandchildren and daughter and son-in-law. Our son lives with us. With the kids we do Facetime often and our daughter introduced us to an app, Marco Polo. You can send pictures or just real time videos back and forth. It’s the only thing keeping me going with those kids.
And the past 3 weeks, my husband and I have been taking drives on pretty days to creeks, rivers, and nature parks and walking/hiking the trail. Now, it’s my new favorite thing to do.
It’s difficult isn’t it but looking forward to the meeting up again Karen 😀
And you have found a hidden treasure & wealth of activity with your husband isn’t that wonderful. Bless you…
I was praying the other day “when will this be over?” God answered me with “don’t focus on when this will be over, but rather focus on what I have for you to do in these times.” That was a helpful nudge. I think you are demonstrating some answers to that challenge in your new activities.
I love how He gives us direct answers to our queries Elizabeth what a sweet & caring Heavenly Father we have!
Jennifer, I am so sorry you are dealing with more pain. The hidden treasures that you have found are so important. You are a very creative soul my friend. Thank you for each encouraging post. Praying for you this morning.♥️
Thank you Pam, your prayers are precious my sweet friend. ♥
Hi Jennifer, it was good to be reminded to look for the hidden treasures in these days. There are days I do well, and other days when the tears just roll. I am grateful that in every day, He is with me bringing His peace, grace, and mercy. Praying for you this morning.
Thank you for your prayers Joanne, they’re greatly appreciated.
When we Keep focusing on Him, the waves of this pandemic don’t overwhelm us or look so scary…bless you ♥
Definitely praying for you and your family 🙏🏽
Thank you that’s very kind, I appreciate your prayers. 😀
My pleasure
Dear Jennifer, Oh, I love the ways that God brought new ways to you for sharing in His comfort during this time! It has been so difficult on everyone, but He has never left us alone. He knows what we are feeling, and keeps reminding me of that too. I also ordered a few special “Grandma gifts” online for our little ones. It was such a joy to hear their responses! Athough, there were a few tears when we realized how much we missed each other too! God is even in our longings, isn’t He? Thank you for sharing this comfort from your heart today, dear friend. Blessings and love to you this week.
Thank you Bettie! I know those tears I was the same when my daughter’s sent me the video & photos of my grandies opening their surprises…it will be a sweet meet when we see each other again! ♥
Thank you for these good words of encouragement, Jennifer. I think a lot of people around the globe can sympathize with you in feeling down. I go through stages where I feel OK, then anxiety gets the better of me. Your method of shaking yourself out of depression is a wonderful one – creativity. Of course, every time you write another blog post, you flex those creative muscles!
Thank you Laurie! It is a strange time isn’t it… but being creative & productive revealing hidden treasures God has given us really does help to encourage one another, especially sharing through our writing 😉
Jennifer, thank you for encouraging your readers to look for the hidden treasures. We know they are many because we are women of faith, but sometimes we need help with our vision!
Yes, encouraging one another in this time of shadow land Michele…bless you 😀