Let's Not Waste This!

***Let's not waste this!

Those who know me well will have noticed that I've had reduced time on LinkedIn over the past few weeks.

I've been visiting family for the past 3+ weeks (I'll post a location pic in the comments), making the most of my newfound location flexibility during my current career/job search.

Though I didn't intend to be gone for 3+ weeks, an opportunity arose that extended my time away, and as much as I felt I needed to get back to my daily online engagement - whether from there or from home, I also knew that opportunities to be "present" with family (yes, wisely w/in the context of COVID-19 recommendations) are not guaranteed for any tomorrow, so I made the decision to enjoy the most unconnected time with family that I've had in years.

Throughout the time of lockdown, I've also had daily opportunities to either lament all that is "not," or to find enjoyment in what "is," even during lockdown and unexpected unemployment.

I chose and choose the latter.

*No, I can't go out to my favorite restaurants, but *yes, I've reacquainted myself with my kitchen (gasp!), and have made needed changes in what I'm eating, and have enjoyed it!

*No, I don't see friends and acquaintances in the course of my day without needing to plan for it, but *yes, I've found that I'm making more purposed decisions to call or write, and in the giving and receiving, I've experienced deeper and more genuine connection.

*No, I'm not currently in a job that occupies my days and evenings with the satisfaction of meeting deliverables, strategizing, wowing clients, and problem solving, but *yes, I've enjoyed having more time at home, catching up on home projects, engaging online with old and new connections, sharing job opportunities with others, taking advantage of online training/upskilling resources, sending regular notes of encouragement, and rediscovering these parts of me that I had allowed to take a backseat to the recent time demands. And, I'm getting more sleep, which is always a great thing, though I'm still working on the exercise agenda. ;-)

No, I can't physically go to my local church, but *yes, I've enjoyed the online opportunities to not only participate in my own church service, but to also attend across the time zones with family members at their churches, and what a blessing that has been.

There are seemingly an endless array of "yes" opportunities daily -- a COVID-19 compliant drive to look at nature or architecture which warm the heart; reading a book rather than spending hours of commute time; simplifying lifestyle and spending, and finding satisfaction in this; being reminded of God's faithfulness throughout -- for me and for those I love; having the opportunity to rethink career goals and the anticipation of aligning with a new company to do great things for them and for their clients.

There is so much to be thankful for, even in the midst of difficulties, and my challenge to myself and to you is that we not waste this opportunity to come through this with new eyes, renewed hearts, and a gratefulness for all that we have and even for all that we don't have. Be present; support those in need; grow compassion for the varying experiences of others (even under your own roof) through all this; and let's not waste this!