Do You Need a Reset?

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

I usually have two big resets each year, one in January and one in September. The beginning of both the calendar year and the school year birth in me the need to organize, reevaluate, and refocus. I choose new books and planners. I add Ticonderoga pencils and Bic Flair pens to my shopping cart, my preferred instruments of planning. I make lists of hopes, dreams, and goals for the coming season.

I did not anticipate in 2020 that the fresh new planner I ordered would have scarcely ten weeks of plans and goals recorded before the pages began to remain blank. Today marks day 49 of sheltering in place for our family. By the time you read this, we will not have left our home other than for grocery trips in at least 60 days, assuming the stay-at-home order is lifted as planned. And even when we are no longer sheltering in place, it’s hard to imagine resuming our old pace of life for a very long time.

Most of our spring and summer plans disappeared from the schedule. We rescheduled a large family reunion. Soccer seasons were canceled and dance recitals postponed. Our plans to send one of our children to public school for the first time are now in question as we try to determine what school attendance could look like come September.

I want to be very clear about something: our family is in a place of tremendous privilege in this pandemic. Our employment remains stable, we have stayed physically healthy, we have thriving family relationships, and we have the technological resources to stay connected with our communities. I know this is not the case for everyone. Many are suffering financially, mentally, relationally, and physically. I do not take our position for granted and try to use our abundance to help others who may be struggling.

In conversations with friends who are experiencing varying levels of stress and upheaval in this situation, one thing keeps coming up. We all seem to be realizing how much of our pre-pandemic lives consisted of noise, busyness, and frantic movement. We recognize that our children’s mental health and sense of safety are more important than fulfilling every distance learning requirement. We are finding simplicity in home-cooked meals with simple ingredients. We finally admit how many of our Target trips were frivolous.

This big reset has brought back to center the things that truly matter to me. I need to move my body every day. I need good books and conversations. I need simple, nourishing food. I need time in nature. I need quiet time for prayer and contemplation. I need deep rest.

I would never have chosen the reason for this reset, but I can see the blessings amidst the grief. Even the earth seems to be crying out in joy at the significant slowdown of humankind. Pollution-filled skies are clearing, dolphins and jellyfish are swimming in Venice’s canals, and the planet vibrates less.

Many of us are itching to get back to normal. Can I be honest? I want a return to health and economic vibrancy for the world. But I have no desire to return to the break-neck pace of life we called “normal” for the last several years. I pray that when this is behind us, we remember the lessons of simplicity and gratitude for even the smallest things that this season has taught us. I hope we can be content with less and treat our world as a sacred home instead of a cache of resources to be used.

When we do move forward, let’s move forward slowly with wisdom and discernment of what we allow back in our lives. As we begin filling those planner pages again, be sure to remember the real priorities and leave a little white space. Let’s join with God in determining what is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2) and save our time and energy for those things.

Lord, help us to see the real priorities in our lives. Teach us to be content, even under challenging circumstances. Give us eyes to see the things in our lives that need attention and the courage to remove the commitments and practices that are no longer serving to sanctify us. Please lead us in each decision, drawing us closer to you. Amen

Scripture for Reflection

But test everything; hold fast what is good. (1 Thess. 5:21 ESV)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17 ESV)

Whether you are completing typical seasonal planning or preparing for a big decision, it’s essential to take time for prayer and stillness to determine what activities fit into your schedule during a specific season. Are you leaving time and space in your schedule for contemplation when making decisions?

Reach for More

Have the recent pandemic circumstances caused you to pause and reflect on your life? Do you have a story of resetting your priorities or newfound gratitude you’d like to share? We’d love to connect and hear your stories. Share them using the hashtag #tgtreachformore on your favorite social channels.

Lindsay Hufford is a small-scale farmer, home educator, chicken chaser, kitchen dancer, and mediocre knitter. Her favorite things include spending time with her family, exploring the natural world, reading, eating spicy food, and singing loudly in the car (to the embarrassment of her children). Lindsay believes sharing our stories will change the world. She writes about farming, homeschooling, faith, mental health, sobriety, and living an unconventional life. You can follow her adventures at peckandpetalfarm.com.

Photograph © Northfolk, used with permission