Carry On, Mama

We are now a full week into semi-isolation. The upheaval, uncertainty, and upsets to our routine have affected my mental wellbeing more than I like to admit.

I can’t change these challenging circumstances…so what can I do? Today I realized that I can do for myself exactly what I did for my stressed new kindergartener last fall.

Shortly after my oldest started kindergarten, I sat down with her and made a list of what is different in her routine, and all that has stayed the same. We found more “sames” than “differents,” and I told her how proud I was of her for dealing with the “differents.”

So, here is Mom’s list of the “differents” and the “sames.”

The Way I Spend Most of My Waking Hours: Same

Prior to COVID-19, I cared for my children in my home. Now, I care for my children in my home. As a stay-at-home mom, I have it easier than most. I have not needed to change my physical location, or most of the tasks I do on a daily basis. What a blessing that my day still starts out like this:

(Even though a few hours later might look like this):

I can weather the didn’t-want-to-come-inside tantrums just the same as I did back when life was “normal.” The library is closed and the play group is canceled, but the silly jokes, the ribbon dance marathons, the bathroom accidents, the unicorn fashion shows, the hugs and kisses are all the same.

Having My Oldest Home: Different

Now I’ve added homeschooling my kindergartener into the mix…which, I’m finding, is no small feat. To you moms who homeschool while feeding, entertaining and refereeing multiple younger siblings: you all are truly amazing!

I’m trying doggedly to keep up with the modest packet of work that my daughter’s wonderful teacher sent us.

I know we are not covering everything, though.

And my high-energy oldest definitely misses the challenge and faster pace of school, not to mention her friends. I can’t believe how much she has matured since she started school last August, and I walked her through the “sames” and “differents.” Another difference…a positive one, but a change nonetheless.

Grocery shopping and errands: Different

Back when I had little ones in tow for all my errands, I naively thought that shopping couldn’t get any more difficult or time consuming. Now I see that those were the good old days.

Yes, sometimes my shopping companions would have meltdowns. Yes, sometimes they would cause major delays. Often, though, shopping with my girls was pure fun.

(Please note: This picture from our favorite bakery supply store was taken well before our current public health situation.)

These days, I scurry into stores alone. I slather on the hand sanitizer, and confront the aftermath of panic-hoarding,

and the atmosphere of tension and unease where once my girls received smiles, stickers, free balloons, and even, on one shopping trip, $2 bills from a tender-hearted elderly gentleman who witnessed a meltdown and “just wanted to cheer them up.”

Like all of us, I miss the way shopping used to be. And I really miss my shopping buddies.

My daily 30 minute brisk walk: Same

My “sanity walks” are still part of my routine, and help relieve the stress of getting supplies for my family. I am thankful now that I don’t have a gym membership or fitness classes. These would simply be more to let go of, another “different.” And I’m thankful that my husband supports me in getting some exercise. In fact, now that he is working from home, I often walk during his lunch hour while he holds down the fort. I circle our property five or six times, and even on the grayest days, there are daffodil shoots to check on, crocuses to watch for, and spring birdsong everywhere.

Church: Different…and Same

This was church last Sunday:

And church this Sunday:

We watched the recording of our service after it ended, since our internet isn’t fast enough to live stream. When we realized live streaming wasn’t going to work, we decided to hold “Sunday School.”  My husband grabbed a devotion book and some art supplies. We did a lesson, an easy art project, and songs, then watched our church service on Facebook.

It worked beautifully. We were happy to give the girls the sameness of Sunday School prior to church, consistent with their “normal” routine.

As we led the girls in their Sunday school songs and then our worship hymns, I reflected that these humble praises were reaching the same God, whose love for us remains unshaken.

I the LORD do not change. Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

God never changes, nor does his powerful, protective love for me and my family. That truth reassures me and gives me peace. Amid all the “differents” in your life, too, may you be at peace in our unchanging God, and the eternal constancy of His love.