4. Just Because You’re Sick Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Work.
It’s crazy how much I’ve gotten done this week! Without the interruptions of meetings and driving and everyday-life mayhem, I’ve had the opportunity to just sit and work on stuff. It’s been great. Again, I’m not sick enough that I need to just lie in bed. I’ve been so sick in the past that working was impossible, but this particular strain has been more irritating than debilitating. So I’ve used it as an opportunity to get some important work done.
5. Thank God for Technology.
I’m grateful for my smartphone! Having the ability to call co-workers, friends, and ministry partners during this time has been a lifesaver! I’m also grateful for Amazon Prime and Netflix. Technology is not all bad, people. It was kind of fun to binge watch a few things for the first time in a long time.
6. There’s a Certain Freedom in Not Setting Your Alarm.
During quarantine, I’ve purposely avoided setting my wake-up alarm. Now, you’ve got to realize, I’m a creature of habit. The vast majority of the time, my alarm is set for 5 a.m., and I get up like a military man to begin my daily routine (devotions/workout/life). But I purposely refused to set an alarm. After all, I figured that because I was sick, it would be good just to let my body wake up on its own. The result? I’ve been pretty refreshed and feel more energized throughout my day.
7. Proximity Matters.
My beautiful wife, amazing daughter, and phenomenal son have been just feet away, but they feel miles away. Not being able to talk to them face to face or reach out and hug them has been a bummer. I’m not even a hugger, and I want to hug them all! I miss my family. Yes, I hear their voices, but I miss seeing them face to face. It’s just not the same being in the same house. I want to be with them!
8. Food is to be Appreciated.
When you’re not able to just go to the refrigerator and pantry to get what you want when you want it, you become more grateful for the food that’s brought to you. When my wife knocks those three times a day and leaves my food for me, I really look forward to it. And I’m usually hungry when she does. Instead of grazing all day, I’m looking forward to meals—and grateful for every bite.
P.S. She does bring me carrots in between meals. I love carrots.
9. Quarantine is a Great Time to Write and Read Books.
As soon as I realized I was going to be locked up for a while, I decided to finalize a rewrite of an old book (Gospelize Your Youth Ministry) and work on chapter outlines for a new one. I’m so glad I did. The writing retreat I had scheduled for late August is going to be a lot more productive now because I have two chapters already written for my new book! Although I don’t have a book contract for the new one yet, I’m praying in faith that God will open that door by this fall.
Quarantine is also a great time to read books. Over the last 10 days, I’ve read one book in full and started another. The new one is a heavy one: Communion with God by John Owen. But I can already tell it’s a book I’m gonna be thankful I read. It’s so old-school English (the dude lived in the 17th century!), and yet so compelling and theologically rich. It’s about the communion we as believers have with the entire Trinity. I’m so grateful I’ve had time to sit down and read theologically deep books during quarantine.
10. The Sounds of Nature Should be More Appreciated.
Not to be super corny, but there’s something about the sound of gentle wind and birds chirping that I’ve come to appreciate during my 10 days of quarantine. We have a lot of birds flapping and whistling around our house. And their songs and whistles have just made my day every day. I’m not a bird guy, but I’ve come to appreciate the beautiful sounds they make. All of nature is part of God’s orchestra to sing His glory back to Him!
Anyway, these are my 10 lessons from 10 days in quarantine. I hope I remember them. Because, as of today, I’m set free!
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
