Urgent. I used to live with a constant sense of urgency about a lot. Not anxiety, just a constant drive to do an accomplish and be. On February thirteenth I got Influenza A, the flu. I was sick for about two weeks then my cough subsided and I started feeling better. By March sixth I was so exhausted I was tripping on my own feet, and by March tenth my legs collapsed under me and I decided to go to my doctor.

My symptoms looked like Post-Viral Fatigue which could last up to six months causing extreme exhaustion, fatigue and weakness or Guillian-Barre which can paralyze you from your feet all the way to your diaphragm and lungs and can take six months to two years to recover from. I reached out for prayer. I didn’t have time for either one.

Time. Time is a funny thing really. We all get the same allotment yet somehow we often feel that there’s just not enough of it.

Priorities. Priorities are tough because we live in a society that promotes and encourages being well-rounded and involved in a lot. We are driven. For me, most of my priorities are somewhat altruistic. I care for other people. At my core, that’s a big part of who I am.

When your priorities all feel urgent, time begins to feel like a scarcity.

Corona. COVID-19. This coronavirus is really putting urgency, time and priories up for personal evaluation. We have all been so concerned about our kids being well-rounded that we have created impossible schedules of toting, packing snacks, volunteering, getting the pictures, getting the uniforms and spirit wear. I was already mentally planning swim and waterpolo season, gearing up for the crazy. That’s canceled for the spring.

For me as someone who acts as though, but knows in her head it’s not true, that people need me….my personal beliefs are being put to the test. People will be OK without me. My presence, my assistance and my time is a gift that many appreciate, but don’t need. Why is it so hard to understand that when I am able to help?

Yesterday my family sat at the dining room table for a family meeting. Understanding we will be together with no outside activities for 3-8+ weeks we decided to create a family schedule for weekdays so we all know what to expect. The only part the girls don’t like is no sleeping in Monday through Friday, just on the weekends. My 14 year old even typed it up so we can check it off as we do it.

Today was our third day of social distancing and our first missed school day from the corona. My husband went to work at the hospital as usual and I prayed a hedge of protection over him. My girls and I had a quiet breakfast. They practiced piano and guitar for an hour while I recapped my Bible study. The girls did the lions share of our work because I’m still recovering, but I was outside with them.

We took down Christmas lights. (Stop laughing) And deadheaded some plants.

We burned mini Christmas trees.

We busted up a dresser for the trash that had mildew on it.

The girls practiced cartwheels and took the dogs for a walk.

We made lunch and now we’re working on chores. This afternoon we will have one hour of quiet reading together and one hour of writing (me and Gracious) or drawing (Bea). Life is simple and uncomplicated. There are no outside distractions or places to run off to. It honestly feels peaceful, especially since I challenged myself to that month of silence last year and learned to be ok with a slower pace.

Almost 400 people died yesterday in Italy from the Coronavirus….just in Italy and only in one day. It’s serious stuff. I’m glad our government is taking it serious before we see casualties like that in America. I’m not glad for the coronavirus, but I’m thankful for the way it’s slowing our pace of life and giving us all the opportunity to really look at the urgency, priorities and time in our own lives.