Social Distancing

Why did we choose to hoard toilet paper?

Anyone?

Nothing news-breaking here—we all know that it is in our best interest (more accurately, everyone else’s best interest) that we stay in as much as possible. Corona Virus is a big deal and I’m pleased that our government is taking it seriously, but could someone please spare a square?

Rant over…I’ve got a lot of time on my hands.

I’m guessing you do too.

Today I just wanted to share what has been on my heart and mind. There’s so much craziness all around that it’s easy to get caught up in it, but I want to encourage you to be calm in the midst of it all.

I firmly believe that I should do whatever is within my power to do when I can during this crazy time. I also firmly believe that right now (with a few exceptions) the best thing is for everyone is to stay in. Not because of fear, but so that this thing can be contained as much as possible. The risk is so great when so many healthy people can be carriers and have no idea.

Regardless of why I’m staying in, I should be trying to make my best use of the time. After all, it could be two weeks, it could be eight.

I bet you were expecting me to give a list of projects, patterns, etc. for the coming weeks (which I’m working on) but I hesitate to just dive into my fabric pile—so much of my life goes unchecked throughout my busy schedule. With canceled shows, lectures, and classes I have some quality time to reflect and get myself back together after a very long haul of hectic years.

Soul Searching

I know myself pretty well by now and whenever an unexpected break comes up, I got nuts! I make lists and sub-lists of all the things I’ll finally get to do. That was actually my first move when I head about our quarantine, well, almost my first move…

My real first move?

To freak out—obviously!

Once I got my wits about me, I realized that as a daughter of God, I should look forward to the future, not fear it.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.

{Proverbs 31

That doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t take this seriously—I fully realize that the wellbeing of myself and others depends on my taking this crisis seriously. I don’t laugh at the future in jest, but I smile as I welcome it. I don’t run in fear, because my future is not reliant on my health, I don’t assume I or my family will be safe. No matter what comes my way, there is always another in the fire, and that is enough.

So, I’m taking as much time as I can in the early morning to get to know my savior. The business of life, motherhood, loss, and business have taken a toll on my most important relationship. Sometimes it takes a big crisis, a time of uncertainty to wake us up to the things that really matter…or the only thing that really matters

Start Somewhere

If that sounds completely daunting to you or boring, I can’t blame you! I have found Syke Jethani’s devotional app, With God Daily, a really helpful starting point. He calls his app “devotions for people who hate devotions” and I’d have to agree. No fluff, no feel-good junk, just real words from the Bible and some great and helpful information. After reading his words, I read the scriptures he refers to and let the morning take me where it may.

Family Time

If we’re going in order of the day and of importance, next comes family! My daughter wakes up bright and early, so we get in a few episodes of Peppa Pig (or a sitting-up nap for me) while she wakes up. We spend the morning playing and hope for warm weather, theres nothing like the sun to cure cabin fever!

Nap Time

Nap time = business time around here! I race down to my studio and crank as much work out as I possibly can, and for some reason, this whole quarantine has made me very productive. It really isn’t a huge disruption to our family schedule, only slightly less busy, but I think the long-term plan is motivating me to make good use of the time. I’ve got a pattern call out for one pattern and am writing another two as we speak!

Just Relax

After early morning reflections, a playful mid-morning, and productive nap time I choose to relax. My little sweetheart helps me with dinner, we find something to do (she’s really into “projects” right now!) and just find a peace about our home. I hope that sticks around long after this quarantine is over. I wonder what great things we all might learn during this difficult time?

Whatever it Is

I certainly have things I’d like to accomplish during this time, I suppose I just wanted to let you know the bulk of what I’ve been up to. I also want you to be encouraged: Use the time wisely. Whatever you do, don’t waste it.