Can I get a witness for how daily life has been altered since Friday, March 13, 2020? The last days, weeks, months have been filled with lots of changes, disappointments, hard conversations, new ways to celebrate, and probably the most creative time in ministry with children than ever in recent history. The deep dive into the new pool of ministry has made our world a new place for the development of new thoughts, new experiences, and new skills. These are just a few things I’ve learned over the last seven weeks:

• Parents are up to the task of teacher, nurse, doctor, counselor, chef, and spiritual leader. These superheros are working from home, playing card/board games, and doing laundry as they teach their kids math and life skills. They wear the capes in the eyes of their kids and finding their way.
• New favorite music by Cochren & Co music.
• I can learn new things: Play the ukulele; take Messy Church training online; take classes with Resilient Church Academy.
• I can get over myself and be videotaped. Watching some of the best on YouTube and Facebook Live have offered private tutoring lessons for this novice especially when thrust on the small screen.
• Not everyone recovers at the same speed. I thrive in changing environments and am ready to go at the two on a three-count. Others need to breathe deep and check all the boundaries before moving forward. We are all needed and living out how God has wired us. I’m honored to share life and laughter with these amazing people in the trenches. They make me a better disciple and better at life.
• Mother’s Day is at the end of the week and the mamas in my world have done it all. Collecting the comments made by other mamas, I’ve put together a fun list of some shared experiences of some of the women in our lives. Mother’sDayQuarantine
• My tribe of those sold out for families in the local church are the best and most creative people in the world. When one shows up at your house with flowers, a life-size plush Jesus, and a huge box of limes, you put the kettle on and enjoy the story she’s given you to share.

Yeah! Learning and living in a new way has made for connections and deeper friendships. Have you had a chance to make a new friend? Learn something new? Grown a deeper appreciation for those who sustain your faith? Played a game? Offered grace to those different than you? Made the phone call? Took the phone call? May these extraordinary times develop a more extraordinary you. You are indeed, an extraordinary you!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7