Is it me, or has this past year with its many challenges, made me more aware of how alone I am? In the beginning when the world around me shut down and I experienced nearly four months of 'house arrest,' I was content. There were new challenges - how to grocery shop, how to connect with friends, how to purchases supplies for projects, tasks, maintenance. I love a challenge...I like to solve problems. But then as the silence screamed at me, I was overwhelmed by the restrictions.
As I connected with more friends I realized that I wasn't alone in the void. A previously full life of sharing hope and love with others had been taken away. I could find encouragement for myself in my routine of Bible study and prayer but conversations with friends told me that others hadn't. There are times when being alone is valuable. I can remember wanting to stay home from work just to have a time of quiet, a time of doing what I wanted to do. But after many months I didn't want it anymore.
As the months dragged on, I came to an understanding that there would be a 'new normal' but when that might happen was totally unknown. I began to look for the positive around me. Often a conversation with a friend would lead to offering her encouragement. I looked for directions that I could use and I found that what worked for me often would encourage others.
Interestingly, as I read Living Unbroken by Tracie Miles, I discovered that I was walking through a formula that worked well for me. Tracie encourages you, when you are alone, to recognize that it's a normal thing. Life is just different now. The more that I fought it, the unhappier I became.
As a MacIver, I am always looking for solutions, especially for others. Is something troubling you? Let's talk. Maybe by looking for the positive, we can walk away from the weight of aloneness. I found that making sure that I filled my time with things that I enjoy whether crafts or cleaning, the silence that was overwhelming me was filled with new sounds. I turned off the TV and turned on the radio. I played encouraging, worshipful music as I cleaned as well as when I was creating. I worked through numerous Bible studies. I have learned so much this past year. Who knew the blessings of being alone? Who knew how this 'new normal' would turn out to be a huge blessing?
There is victory hidden in every challenge we face. God still loves us dearly despite the problems we face. He still wants the very best for His children. My hope is that the lessons that I have learned will color my path. That the emotions that I have felt will heal and that as I walk forward my hope will shine from my being. May I be a blessing to others as I continue on this path.
