BY JENNIFER WITTRUP, ACS PARENT

This is not the first time my world has been pulled out from under my feet, nor I suspect my last, because of one thing I am certain: life is about change and adapting to the changes.

COVID-19, that unseen enemy that has shut down the world and caused us to be living history in a way we never thought we would, has brought tears, laughter, anxiety, and peace to our little corner of the now quiet world.

From Obstacle Courses to Tears

We have moments where we live the adventure. My kids are currently making up their own obstacle course outside while waiting for the new daily routine of meeting the neighbour kids over the fence at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and then 7:00 pm for the Front-line Salute/Racket! We have built a fort in the basement, played umpteen games, watched a movie or two, thrown the Aerobie in wind and rain, and embraced Messenger Kids with enthusiasm!

On the flip side, we have moments where the unknown has brought us to tears, nail-biting, and deer in the headlight stares into nothingness. What will school be like? When will I see my friends again? What does it mean to co-parent in time of social distancing? Will I have a job? What will that look like?

Times are hard.

COVID-19 makes it harder.

Out of the Desert Places

And then I remember what happened the last time my world was pulled out from under my feet.

God met me there.

God reminded me that He is with me, loves me and longs for me to trust Him. He put things before me to remind me that the hard times, the desert places, are where he longs for us to draw closer to him. Just when I think I can’t take another day he provides me with a text from a friend checking in. The next hour seemingly impossible? That perfect song comes on the YouTube playlist that puts you right back into perspective.

You see, God knows what I need even before I do, and it is only when I get lost in my own thoughts and plans that I forget that and lose hope; my eyes fail to see what God is doing for me.

Do I wish we didn’t have to live through this? Of course!

But do I wish that my plans were put in place? Definitely not!

As much as I want to “go back to normal”, I know that there is something greater going on here and I need to take off my blinders, stand strong, and see God for the omniscient, omnipotent God that he is.

“Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NLT