Boxing Away My COVID Sweatpants
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures.”
When everyone makes their decisions based on how they will look on Facebook, life in COVID isolation means we have a lot of time on our hands with no one watching. So many people are struggling with the isolation and just shut down. It is as if, without others watching, life is not worth living. This belief is unacceptable to God.
Your life story has a lot more to do with you and God, and much less to do with those who follow you on Facebook. It is easy to get depressed, having your world turned upside-down with health fears, financial insecurity, and loneliness. Yet, behind most struggles lies an opportunity. This moment is an opportunity to get comfortable with yourself. It will be easier to get more comfortable with God and content with our present uncertainty when you do.
Live each COVID day with a schedule that prepares you to do something big. Dress accordingly! Sweatpants are comfortable and appropriate, but not 24/7, 365. Just because we are home doesn’t mean we should shut down. Sweatpants aren’t the real issue, but an occasional symptom. Getting up at the same time, exercising, and then getting on with your day the way you would have before COVID is essential. Several years ago, I took a course on guiding others into retirement. One of the main recommendations was to stay in your pre-retirement routines but from home. Doing so creates a smooth transition and a reminder that life is still full of potential. Working from home can feel similar to retirement.
Today, offer your best self to God each day. Ok, you can be your best in sweatpants, but not all the time. Being your best self includes working at schedules and routines. These routines include regular prayer and weekly worship. When we realize that God is invited, or pushing, into every aspect life, each moment becomes sacred time. Saturday nights, God will enjoy you in sweatpants. But other times require stepping forward with energy and positivity, which honors God.
