Playing with Snakes

When I go to bed, I am usually so tired that I go to sleep and sleep solidly until my alarm. Dreaming doesn’t usually happen. Maybe that’s what four kids, a full-time job, and now full quarantine will do to you. Ha! However, last week I had a dream that was so real, I cannot stop thinking about it. It has made me think about my life and even my parenting, especially during this time of quarantine.

Let me share my dream….

I was walking down the middle of the street in a cul-de-sac. Many people were out in their driveways laughing and having the best time – all while playing with coral snakes. They were completely oblivious to the fact that these snakes were poisonous and could kill them. When I got to the end of the cul-de-sac, I turned around and looked back down the street. Suddenly these words appeared: The snakes’ names are Complacency. The houses then turned into churches.

Do you see why this dream has stuck with me all week? It seemed so real and when I look at our world right now, it makes me wonder if this is a warning for us, especially for Christians. Complacency is defined as self-absorbed and lazy. As Christians, we are called to put others before ourselves and to serve well. We need to be vigilant that we don’t become complacent during this quarantine.

I am a people person. I like being around people and enjoy having a full schedule. This quarantine has been hard on me in terms of missing people and activities. But, after almost 8 weeks of being in quarantine, I have found myself having to fight against seclusion and lethargy. It seems to me that there are others in this same boat. Are we playing with the poisonous snakes?

I think it is also important to remember that there is a vast difference between rest and laziness. Some people are viewing this quarantine as a time of rest. Rest means to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. It is so important to rest. We need to refresh and strengthen ourselves, but I don’t think we need 8 weeks to do so. When I am vegging out on Netflix for too long or continuously scrolling through Facebook, I no longer need to rest. I need to be productive. Complacency rears its venomous head when we pass on choosing productivity.

I don’t want my kids to see me just watching Netflix or whining about how I want to go eat in a restaurant. I want them to see me making the best of this situation.

Here are some ideas for quality quarantine time: 

• Use your Talents –We had a friend who made cookie decorating kits and dropped them by her friends’ homes with kids. Another friend has been making masks and delivering those to others. A family used their baking talents and blessed people with baked goods. What talents do I have that allow me to help others?
• Set Goals – My oldest son is determined to continue to beat his soccer juggling record. He uses some time almost daily to work on this goal. I also made a goal to start a new exercise program.
• Send Surprises – A family filled mason jars with flowers and dropped the bouquets off at friends’ doorsteps. We are still trying to figure out who left this sweet surprise. You could send postcards or cards to loved ones or friends. My kids have enjoyed drawing pictures and including these in cards for others.
• Look for Opportunities – This week our church sent out a link to where we could sign up to help with landscaping. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to help teach my kids the importance of serving so we signed up and completed one of the jobs together.
• Ask – If you are unsure of how to help, just ask. Your church needs you. Your kids’ teachers need you. Your neighbors might even need you. Don’t be afraid to ask of ways that you can serve others.
• Get Plugged In – While the quarantine is causing us to stay in, that doesn’t mean we need to become isolated. We need relationships! I am part of a book study that meets via Zoom once a week, and I’m also participating in a Bible study with friends in a different state. My kids do a weekly Zoom filled with games with our church’s Family Pastor. Join a group!
• Get Outside – I bought a bike and a kid’s seat so the kids and I can all go on bike rides during this time. It might be the best purchase I’ve made in quite a while. We have also been going on daily family walks to get some energy out…and help with my sanity!
• Pray – A positive of this quarantine is that our schedules have slowed down and we can really spend time with God. Let your kids see you reading your Bible. Let them join you. Pray as a family. Set an example.
• Be Thankful – It’s good to look for the good. Our kids see more than we realize. They see us in bad moods, but they also see us when we point out all the good things, especially when it’s hard to find them.

Craig Groeschel said, “What feels like our worst interruptions may actually be God’s greatest invitations.” Let’s turn this quarantine into a time we won’t regret. A time where we do good, look for ways to serve and thank God through the process.

PS – Thanks, Mom, for your editing skills. I love you!!