This has been a weird year for everyone. Covid changed everything. It changed sporting events, birthday parties, camp, mission trips, school, and get togethers of any kind. There were some wonderful things about canceling commitments and hunkering down with my family. We did lots of bike rides, hikes, and home-school activities. I wouldn't change the sweet memories of more time together at home, but the thing that was hard for me to give up was church. Each Sunday, I woke up with this feeling of responsibility to make our morning somewhat worshipful. We found lots of great worship songs on You Tube. Ted and I would read through some favorite passages and stories in the Bible, and we would just talk as a family. It was a challenge to come up with something new and inspiring, and I didn't always do a wonderful job. The gift in the difficulty, was that it gave me the opportunity to study the hearts of the people living in my home. I'm grateful for it. It stretched me. It also gave me an appreciation for the people who typically love on my kids. The grandparents who inspire creativity and connection, The science teacher that intrigues them with amazing creatures like axolotls, the athletic coach that reminds them that activity is fun and healthy, the art teacher that teaches them how to find beauty, and of course the Sunday school teachers who think of creative ways to remember Bible stories. I would never want to raise kids without this beautiful community. The people in our lives make us who we are. We're inspired by them, encouraged by them, and sharpened. God didn't create us to sit in our living rooms. He created us to entangle our lives with others like metal pieces of iron sharpening one another. So while I am grateful for the extra snuggles, and moments of discipleship that I would never have without Covid, I am feeling a bit ready to join the village again. I'm tired of wearing so many hats, and I'm positive that life is richer for my kids when they are taught and inspired by others.
However, God did provide some incredible things through this weird season. Our community of neighbors are just so special. The kids really didn't experience a social vacuum. They were playing with their friends everyday. They started referring to it as "covid-cation." We read through school materials while basking in the warm sun. Our "recess" time was spent hiking and playing ripstick games at the park. Ryder's closest buddies were over everyday, jumping on the tramp and throwing balls at the house. I'm incredibly grateful for friends who live right by us. They have become family. I joined some friends at the track, and we ran all summer long. I got to do things that I never dreamed I would be able to do like running from Crested Butte to Aspen, and climbing Mt. Huron. I hope I never forget all the blessing sprinkled into this challenging year. When I turn on the tv, and see politicians arguing, people losing their businesses, COVID deaths, and riots over racial unrest, I realize that the world is deeply hurting. That part is hard on all of us, but maybe, these conversations that we are all having will help us heal, help us to appreciate each other more. I hope that we are all better off after experiencing the crazy tension and uncertainty.
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