Stay At Home – Self-Quarantine or An Order For More Family Time?
Just over a month ago, my husband and I moved into a new house. We went from living in the outskirts of Dayton, but still in a very crowded, busy neighborhood, to a rural neighborhood in Franklin County. We noticed a difference in the atmosphere in our new location immediately, but with the recent ‘stay at home’ order, it is even more apparent, and I hope what we saw last night is the new norm everywhere.
Since we moved, the weather has been cold and not at all conducive to getting out to walk around or get to know the area around us. Last night, we got a break in the weather and took an hour long walk though the new subdivision we now call home.
While the construction is all new or newer, and the families in general are much younger, what stuck us the most were the number of whole families – dad, mom, and kids – eating and playing together. We heard the laughter and voices the minute we stepped outside.
As we walked, families were gathered around tables on outdoor patios, or sitting in dining rooms with the windows open to let in the fresh air. People waved and shouted hellos, dads were chasing and wrestling with their kids, families were gathered around to watch Uncle Jim try to fly his new drone. It was like stepping back in time.
I remember sitting down to dinner every night around the kitchen table, telling stories about work and school. We told jokes, and we talked about the hard stuff. We shared our dreams for the future. Sidebar: I was convinced I would one day live out of a small shack, surviving off the land. My sister said she was going to rule the world. Interesting how our personalities were so strong even then.
Some of my greatest family memories happened around that table. Being out last night and hearing families making those kinds of memories was … wonderful. My sincere prayer is that as our society eventually makes its way out of this CoVID situation, we will remember how precious this time together was, and that we will regain our desire for dinner table gatherings rather than the fast food hustle as we rush from one place to another.
This may not have been the kind of thing anyone asked for, but it could be the very thing that strengthens our most important resources – family, friendships, and real relationships.
Who are you spending time with, and how are you making the most of the days with them?
Ephesians 5:15 – 20 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Current Read – King Maker, by Audrey Grey
- Current Audio Book – Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers
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