The Secret to Life

What we do when our lives have inexplicably changed is important, not just in the present situation but how we travel through the coming months & years…

This is what we will be pondering today in our time of tea & reflection my friend, so grab a hot cuppa & get comfy.

I’m sitting at my desk, in my study with a beautiful sonata playing in the background from our Classic FM radio station. This is part of my updated daily routine. I have a cup of Ginger & Apple tea with a small piece of Coconut Date slice beside me.

Are you settled with your cuppa? You are! Good let’s begin our time together….

Wise Words 

I watched a TV interview several weeks ago when Australia’s CoVid19 lock down first began. It was an elderly lady of 94 years being interviewed, who lives in our region, she is Jewish & a survivor of the Nazi Camps.  

The interviewer asked her how she was coping, faced with this new crisis at her age, as she lives alone in her own home independently.

This lovely soul who has survived the most unspeakable horrors looked into the camera & wanted those watching to know that she will be fine & that we will all be okay, for this too shall pass, we will survive this, she answered.

The interviewer enquired as to what she thought of those who were hoarding supplies & causing shortages, she answered that people can be very selfish in hard times, she had witnessed this in the Holocaust.

But she also stated that the very best can be seen in the most unexpected places & through the most sacrificial generosity of others in times of crisis too.

She was then asked what she would be doing during this time of isolation to keep herself busy. She answered that while she would miss her family & friends in the isolation, she would continue her daily routine.

But get out into her garden more often, listen to her music more often & make sure her family & friends were coping, as this is very good for the soul when faced with a crisis…She stated.

Simple but inspiring wisdom… 

Our daily routine becomes a very comforting norm in times of crises

I also found this practice comforting while walking beside my late husband in his battle with brain cancer & then in my journey as a widow. And over the last 14 years in running this chronic health conditions marathon.

The familiar is very comforting indeed. To have some normalcy in the everyday in a daily routine is extremely important. This dear little lady had learnt this through the most horrific of circumstances…

Her experience bought additional wisdom though, by adding more of the calming joys to her day.  More of her music, more time in her garden & making sure she had companionship when alone, by contacting her family & friends to care for them from a safe distance.

Music

What does music do for our wellbeing? A great deal of research has been conducted on this subject. However I like to see what God, who after all is the Creator of the music & songs of nature, has to say…all creation is constantly playing a Symphony around us;

“When the morning stars sang together…all the angels shouted for joy…”

Job 38:7

[…all of creation sings for joy…before the Lord, for He is coming…]

Psalm 96:11-13

The word joy instantly stands out in these verses. Music & song is for God’s glory & our enjoyment!

I personally enjoy instrumentals rather then lyrical music…Although I do enjoy Celtic folk & praise songs.

Did you know that God sings His rejoices over us, we are told this in Zephaniah 3:17. Creation is full of musical notes & songs, listen to the birds of the air, the beasts of the earth & the creatures of the sea!

Nature’s symphonies soothe, uplift & bring joy to our spirits. Did you know that God has music & singing in His throne room of grace, Revelations 5:9 tells us so.

Over the last 12 months I had gotten out of the habit of listening to music on a daily basis, it is now reinstated & I am truly grateful to this little lady who reminded me of the joys of listening to the music I love daily.

Enjoying the beautiful symphonies which are inspired by the songs of nature has really added such wealth to my day!

In the Garden

We were created to walk, talk & till the earth with God in His garden, being outdoors, is not only important for our physical & mental health but also our spiritual wellbeing!

While I’m not a great gardener (thats hubby’s gift & joy) but I do enjoy pottering in it. I also love God’s natural garden that surrounds us.

I love walking along the waterfront enjoying the sea breeze upon my face, the warmth of the sun on my back & the beauty of this unique bushland shore.

Enjoying the beauty, fresh air & scenery of nature revitalizes the heart & brings praise for our Creator!

 

Sharing the love

There also needs to be room in our daily routine to fill our cup with His love, that’s where our quiet time with Him comes in…which fills our emotional & spiritual cups to overflowing, so that we may in turn share that love with others.

Even in this time of isolation we can do this. Sharing love in communicative & practical ways is important.

This has two main advantages; 1. it blesses those receiving the love, connecting us with those who are near & dear to us. 2. Sharing His love brings a unique energy & healing to our weary souls.

Most of all, echoing Paul’s words…

“...I have learnt to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and having need. For I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4: 11-13

How are you emotionally fairing in this pandemic dear friend? Do you find yourself calm & peaceful or are you getting anxious, worried & teary when you least expect it?

It’s important to know where our emotional & mental health is at, in this time of isolation.

Because it’s an important meter as to how we are coping overall not just in this present time of isolation but to be able to traverse the times ahead.

Do you need to chat with a Professional Counselor or maybe your Pastor? Both are just a phone call away if you find yourself needing reassurance & some practical coping tools. Pick up that phone & make an appointment. We all need this at times & this is a particularly difficult one to go through…

Until next time,

Jennifer

 

 

You’re welcome to join me in The Reading Nook

 

 

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© 2020 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, All Rights Reserved. Photos on Pexels.com

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