Simpler Times

We are all in the midst of an historical time.
We are all in the midst of a crisis.
The crisis is difficult enough.
However, life is going on around us while we are going through it.

Groceries need to be bought.
Meals have to be made.
Dishes need to be washed and laundry must be done.
Things still need our attention around the house.

Along with the dailiness of life, there are those things that happen unexpectedly.
A first tooth is lost.
A knee is skinned in play.
A wrist is sprained.

A nagging back still hurts.
Allergies rear their ugly head.
Feelings get hurt.
Sleep sometimes eludes us.

It would be one thing if the virus was the only thing that vied for our attention.
But the virus is not the only thing.
Life goes on.
And I’m so glad it does.

We need normalcy.
We have to grab that normalcy any way we can.
Oh, for the days when a band aid and a kiss-to-make-it-all-better was sufficient.
Oh, for the times when a cup of apple juice and a bit of goldfish crackers healed anything.

Those days are not lost to us.
They may be temporarily forgotten.
They wait behind the curtain, until we beckon them.
They wait silently offstage until we bring them front and center.

There before us, are the normal things that bring us joy.
The things that may have seemed intrusive before all this began, are now welcome.
The normal things have a seat at the table.
We pull up a chair for them and are glad.

Never did chalk pavement pictures bring us such joy.
Never did a walk around the neighborhood look so beautiful.
Never did a trek to the mailbox feel like an adventure.
Never did reading a book in a comfy chair produce such contentment.

Simple pleasures are found treasures.
Things we took for granted are now things that bring solace to our soul.
Things that we so easily dismissed are things we cannot do without.
Things that cost us nothing are now our true riches.

Going to our church building on Sunday is an impossibility at this time.
We never imagined in a million years that meeting together would be taken away from us.
We never knew how good we had it before all that goodness was restricted.
Oh, for us not to have a short memory when we come to the other side of this.

The virus is upon us.
Life goes on.
Babies are still being born.
People still die of natural causes.

We cannot stop the world and get off for a while.
We cannot put other things on hold during this time.
How do we balance the normal with the critical?
How do we enjoy simplicity in the midst of chaos?

A quote from Jan Karon, writer of the Mitford series, came to mind.
Sometimes you have to gag on fancy before you can appreciate plain.
Sometimes you have to let go of the things we are used to in order to regain the way things were.
It’s not just nostalgia for the good old days, but rather the desire for simpler times.

Simpler times.
Meeting together for Sunday worship.
Going to school.
Shopping in a grocery store without masks, and gloves, and lines on the floor.

Doing errands anywhere you choose.
Bringing packages in the house without thinking twice about what surfaces they touch.
Gathering with family and friends and not worrying about anyone getting sick.
Hugging and shaking hands again and forgetting the elbow bump for a while.

Normalcy.
Simpler times.
Togetherness.
No fear.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Contentment in a crisis.
Enjoying simpler times.
Treasuring being together.
Valuing the gifts of our family.

We will get through this time with the Lord’s help.
It is on His strength, not ours, that we rely.
Many things have been taken away but the Rock on which we stand is immovable.
Things may be shaking around us but we are on solid ground.

Tis the gift to be simple
Tis the gift to be free
Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
Twill be in the valley of love and delight
When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed
To turn, turn, will be our delight
‘Til by turning, turning, we come round right

(Joseph Brackett Jr. 1848)

2 responses to “Simpler Times”

1. Thank you Gina. We are continually learning to be content in any circumstance aren’t we? Think about people in other countries who are not allowed to worship openly now we have so much more empathy

   Reply

   • That is so true, Paula!
     We are learning what is important to us.
     We are learning how much we took for granted.
     May those lessons stay with us long after the virus is gone.
     Gina

     Reply