Many people across communities all over America share in experiencing “Shelter-at-Home” orders or “Stay-at-Home” orders or “Self-Quarantine” obligations or similar type circumstances, including those who now are home because they are working from home. In our community a 30-day stay-at-home order begins today. Over the past several days in preparation for this period, I put together a list of several suggestions for this unique period of time for all of us.
What should you do when by order you cannot leave your home or place of rest?
A Puzzle or Some of Type of Community Project
Grab an old puzzle out of the closet or buy a new one. Our family started our first puzzle of this season two nights ago. With a smaller guy, we opted for puzzles that would interest him and limited the size of the puzzle to 300 pieces. Depending on your age and the age of your children, larger puzzles may be better. During this time we have been eating together as a family in the dining room so we designated the kitchen table as our puzzle table. I’ve watched almost everyone in the family stop by and figure out a piece or two as they have been walking through the room. We put it in a highly accessible place to encourage walk-bys.
If you are not into puzzles, then find another kind of community project that everyone there can work on together.
Less Electronics
Twenty-four hours in a day. If you are not careful, you can blow those hours on social media, Mind craft, YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, and hundreds or thousands of other ways. Of course there may be many benefits and blessings of what you do online or with your electronics. Further, I’m not suggesting no electronics but strive for less at least.
Here is one major concern: pornography. Pornography continues to devastate person after person. With long hours and weird sleep schedules, opportunities abound to get sucked into pornography. From what I am reading, usage is way up. We can’t be unwise to not be aware of these temptations.
Prayer, Devotions, Bible Study, and Music
Of course you need to focus on your spiritual disciplines. This is a great time to strive for better consistency. Look for a reading plan if you do not have one. Spend time in prayer as you can. Invite those in your family or where you stay to join with you. Read a good theological book. These activities will provide you much great benefit than watching the news, the markets, or your portfolio!
Music may be very helpful as well. Create a good Spotify or Apple Music list. Be sure to include songs that exalt Christ, remind you of the hope and power of the Gospel, and provide you general encouragement as a Christ-follower. Of course you can always share your list with family and friends and experience it together.
Exercise
Just do something besides eating. I think many will come through this period with weight gain – especially those among us who eat when we are stressed (ice cream excluded of course!). Of course gyms are closed – not that that is a problem for me, but for many of you no doubt it is.
At least go for regular walks. Ask someone to walk with you (just keep your social distancing requirements). On normal days, after I sit and talk with people or teach or whatever is on my plate for the day, if I am not intentional, I can get to the end of the day with only 2,500-3,000 steps – for the day. I intentionally have to add to that in order to try to keep myself moving. I choose to often talk on the phone while walking. Walking during my prayer time. I often try to use the rest room that is the farthest distance from where I am to add extra steps. I have a goal for a certain number of steps per day – actually two goals. One goal is a must and the second is a desire. But for all of us, just do something.
Most parks and nature trails remain open which are great places to walk. Plus, your neighbors may not even know what you look like. You may even get to wave at them or talk with them (with proper distancing of course).
Serve Others
Consider serving others on two levels. First, serve those around you. If you are staying in place with others, strive to serve them. Be a sweet spot in their day. Go out of your way to do something or lots of somethings. Seek to be the one who serves instead of always getting served (men especially).
On a second level, consider who you can legally serve outside your home. Is there someone you can serve such as a senior, a single-parent, a college student, a neighbor, etc? Be intentional to determine at least another person or two that you can seek to serve.
For more ideas, check out here and here.
Reach Out to Others
Many people are in similar situations to yours. The normal ways that they engage socially have changed to something less than ideal. I have listened as both extroverts and introverts proclaim their woes. Let’s be honest, God made us for relationship and to be in relationships. Even if you are an introvert, choose to serve through reaching out to others.
Some people suffer from incredible loneliness right now.
You can help. Make a call. Send a text. Connect on social media. Schedule a free Zoom call or Face Time. Write a letter (and send it). Make a card (and send it). Take a picture of something and share that with someone who may enjoy it. Just do something to reach out to others.
Crafts and Hobbies
Now may be the time to dust off the sewing machine, pull out the needles and yarn, revisit the bookshelf, download audio books, or head out to the lake. This may be a way to get ahead on Christmas gifts (I don’t think they have postponed Christmas yet), encourage someone with your craft, or at least keep your mind actively engaged in a good project.
Thankfully in Missouri, they have suspended the need for a fishing license or trout stamp for the next few weeks. Maybe it is time to go fishing! My children asked as soon as they heard the rule change. We do not have trout stamps so they thought we should go give them at try at least.
Sex
If you are married, enjoy some sex. There are many, many benefits of choosing to serve your spouse with sex. Do not let the burdens of the day, the stress of the stay-at-home orders, or the questions about the future keep you from spending much-needed personal time together. Possibly your day will include instances of impatience, frustration, and sin, if so, quickly deal with these things and come together again in the communion and fellowship of sex.
If you both have a sweet spirit and a desire to serve and satisfy the other person, this will serve you well. Click Here for a number of pertinent articles from my sex series that may help you.
A Desired Project
I saved this one to last. Honey-do projects, dreams, and long-procrastinated projects go here. Start with the cheapest first. Clean the garage. Organize a closet. Tackle the junk drawer. Tidy up your yard. Wash the siding, You get the idea.
Have fun while glorifying God!
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
(Colossians 3:17)
Whatever you do, enjoy yourself while you seek to glorify God and serve people. In God’s providence, He has given us this special opportunity to do life differently for a season at least. Take advantage of this providential gift and go for it.
If you have other ideas, contact me and I will make another post of other good ideas! Use this link and maybe I can share your idea with others!
Image Credit Gabriel Crismariu
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
