Who are you relying on right now when things seem off-kilter? Reliance is the act or state of depending on someone or something. Before being at home as often as I am now, I relied on going to coffee shops to help my creativity. Or I would meet with friends over coffee. I would even indulge in retail therapy now and then. I especially liked hiking in nearby parks and hanging out with extended family members.
For the most part, all of that has changed. My husband, Jim, and I tend to keep our bubble of interactions with others very small. He has some underlying health conditions and we’re both over 65. I have always tended to be the social butterfly though. I tend to look for different ways to rely on others for social and emotional interactions.
Have you found your emotions to be all over the place? One moment you’re joyful and the next you’re in a slump. This may be a result of the impact of the pandemic. You begin to wonder who and what you can rely on.
What are you noticing?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, trauma can manifest in a long list of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, which include (but aren’t limited to):
- nausea and vomiting
- headaches
- jaw clenching
- confusion
- poor concentration
- memory problems
- anxiety
- fear
- irritability
Paying attention to how you are feeling and reacting becomes of utmost importance. Call these emotions what they are. These particular reactions you are having are not necessarily unusual, especially as we are nearing a year of the pandemic. However, if you care for yourself now, normal times will be much smoother. Don’t forget self-care as well.
Who can you rely on?
Depending on the severity of how you are feeling, you may wish to seek out counseling and therapy. I did this summer and fall with amazing results for my spiritual and emotional well-being, especially in my marriage. Seek out someone who matches your spiritual faith as well as has training in the areas you need support such as past trauma, depression, anxiety, whatever the pandemic may be bringing up.
Friends may be people you can rely on. Having a scheduled friend talk makes a huge difference. I have one friend phone call on Thursday mornings and a Bible study zoom call on Saturday mornings. A group of grammas is gathering twice a month to support each other. Whatever support you may need, seek it out.
My best source of dependability is Jesus and God. They get everything. While it may sound like a simple answer, He longs to hear what is on your heart. Lectio Divina, a sacred reading of scripture, lets you read scripture passages over three different times and notice how He speaks to you in different ways. Notice how close He is to you on a daily basis in Psalm 139:1-6. The Passion Translation:
1 Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
2 You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
3–4 You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
You read my heart like an open book
and you know all the words I’m about to speak
before I even start a sentence!
You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
5 You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
and in kindness you follow behind me
to spare me from the harm of my past.
With your hand of love upon my life,
you impart a blessing to me.
6 This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible!
Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
As you let the words of the scripture flow over you, reflect on what God is wanting you to notice. What words are there specifically just for you?
Psalms are written out prayers and going to a psalm a day can give you great insight each day of the path He has for you. Practicing His presence like that gives you insight as to your next steps.
What will be your next steps?
We are in this series where we ask a question, look at scripture, then ponder what our next steps may be as we watch for God’s hand in our lives. Who do you need to be relying on each day? What support systems do you need in place?
I still rely on my friends, except we meet by zoom now on a regular basis. My husband and I are on a beautiful pace, thanks to godly counseling and God’s grace. Meeting with God each morning for His direction is who I rely on as I pour out my fickle emotions and tell Him about the people I miss the most, my extended family.
If you need someone else to rely on during these days, I would love to walk with you as we can seek God’s face together. Don’t hesitate to reply to this email.
May you remember the prayer of St Patrick:
– Christ Be With Me
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,Christ where I arise…
Amen
Blessings to each of you,
Nancy
As a spiritual director, I walk with people who want to hear and see God more clearly in their lives. If this post is helpful to you, could you share it with others? Or if there is a way that I can be praying specifically for you, would you reply to this post? I want to be of service to you in your life and the lives of others. I look forward to walking with you in the world “for such a time as this.”
