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Dealing With Disappointment

So, I haven't posted in a while...again...it's not corona, it's life keeping me busy. But I have something for you today, but it wasn't written by me. It was written by my wife, Jennifer. When she talks, I listen. Be encouraged!

 Dealing with Disappointment

Is anyone else feeling it?  Day 17 of quarantine.  Social distancing.  Stay at home.  Church online.  School canceled.  Events canceled.  Spring Break trips canceled or put on hold.  

This spring break my family had a big trip planned, which hasn’t happened for us in a very long time.  It’s our oldest daughter’s senior year of high school and we wanted to make it special and take a trip we’ve never taken before.  Flying to Orlando (which my children don’t remember ever flying as they were ages 6, 4 and 1), and fun in the sun for an entire week.  We booked the trip 8 months ago and have planned, planned and planned until all details were set.  I set a countdown on my phone and felt the anticipation build as the count came within 20 days.  

Then a disruption occurs.  A virus that is spread quickly hit the U.S.  Hard.  For me, I thought this virus outbreak could be contained in a short period of time if we all stayed home for a couple of weeks.  That it would quickly pass and life would go on as planned.  But suddenly we’re receiving apologies of canceled itineraries.  Everything is shutting down.  Businesses are “continuing to monitor this evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation closely and coordinating with public health officials. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests back to our parks soon.” 

So instead of packing my bags to leave tonight, I’m starting my work week and planning more at-home lessons and for future ministry activities and events.  I’m trying to navigate these unchartered waters, and figure out how to connect with others while keeping my distance.  To say I’m disappointed is probably an understatement.

Anyone feeling these feels?  

I felt the nudge to get some thoughts down about this this morning, thinking maybe someone out there needs to hear this.  I know I need to hear it:  It’s ok to be disappointed.  It’s ok to be sad or frustrated when we’ve planned and looked forward to something and then plans change.  But we can’t sit in that place.  As much as I was having my own little pity party.  
Grieve.  
Mourn that loss.  
But don’t stay there. 

Cry out to God.  He loves you and hears you.   Philippians 4: 6-7 has been on repeat in my devotions this past week.  The Contemporary English Version says it this way: “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything.  With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.  Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand.  And this peace will control the way you think and feel.”

Ask God for His peace.  Then shower, exchange real clothes for those pajamas, and ask God what you can be doing to show and share the love of Jesus with others.  

Let’s do it together.

Your turn: How do you react when “viruses” in life occur and disrupt your plans?
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Mary Helen said…
Perfectly said. The overshadowing of disappointment is something I continue to kick away. Devotional nuggets help. Surrounding my at-home work area with items that bring joyful memories. Picking up flowers for me at Aldi and also taking some to friends to give them cheer. Writing notes to my students and friends, letting them know how much they mean to me. Taking a quick walk to just breathe fresh air. Taking pictures of beauty. These have helped. Journaling, like Anne Voskamp’s A Thousand Blessings, turns my eyes on to the good, the positive, the little nuggets of blessings in life right now. It’s a moment by moment battle, but these are a few things that have helped to lift my spirit. Reading a friend’s thoughts and sending a hug through a comment also brings joy in the moment!
April 5, 2020 at 6:44 AM
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