This blog is contributed by Patty Ayres, member of 6.30pm church, casual sub-titler and keen blogger - see Christian Pears for more stuff.
Some practical tips for the next few weeks.
This week I subtitled some advice from a child psychologist, which is great because it means I can drop clever sounding things into my conversations. It got me thinking about whether the Bible has any advice for us in times such as this.
1) Be emotional (and let others be emotional too)
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)
During this time, people are likely feeling a bit more scared and confused than usual. Others are adjusting to the situation really well and finding the silver lining. As a church, we can build each other up and pray for one another in our hardships. A really great example of this is our beloved Laura Radford, who is stuck in Queensland due to flight restrictions, but still showed up to our 6:30 table talk on Sunday and helped produce a worship video for the youth Instagram page (within hours of being asked!) The psychologist suggested explaining to young children what is happening in age appropriate terms because they know something is happening but may not know what or why. As Christians parents, leaders, siblings and friends, we can model hope and peace during this fretful time, and support each other as parents become teachers.
2) Keep in (virtual) contact
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
A month ago, I had never even heard of Zoom, and now I’m doing them almost every day. While this is tiring in its own way, it has its’ part to play in keeping sane. The psych pointed out that kids are suddenly not seeing their friends every day, and it might be useful to organize a meeting with their friends. This is good advice for all of us. Emily Mitchell, from the 6:30 congregation relayed, “we have a small prayer group in my year at uni and we usually meet up half an hour before class to touch base and pray – this morning was our first attempt at an online version and it was super encouraging to pray out loud together and comfort each other in our faith in Christ 😊”.
3) Create a new routine and be flexible with it
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens… a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing!” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5b)
Our routines are out the door! Built into our routines are even smaller routines that are struggling along, like taking off make up after a long day, catching the bus at the same time or even putting on clean pants. After too many cancellations on my calendar, I decided to write out a new one from scratch and put down some new routines, such as Duolingo (18 day streak), posting to the youth Instagram page (@roastyouth) and putting on different pants. Even if it is as simple as setting a timer for how long you’re on the computer before a break, or making sure your work space is slightly separate from your desk space, routine is built into us.
Tip for parents; a kid’s attention span is about the same number of minutes as their age, so seven years old = seven minutes before they need a new task, question, game, etc. Unfortunately, this only works until the age of 22 (22 minutes), which means 3 hour zoom meetings are a struggle.
4) Learn something new (or let your child teach you something!)
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
To keep your brain running, make sure that you’re trying new things. Harry and Bert Jamieson taught me a new card game today, Penny Adamson has stolen the watercolours from the den to take up a new hobby, apparently people are learning to make sourdough starters. I loved the idea to let your child teach you something, however, as a way of giving them control. Perhaps it is a TikTok dance, perhaps following a Bob Ross tutorial together, perhaps how to use your webcam like I taught my own dad. Try something new.
5) Social distancing is very helpful
“As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp.” (Leviticus 13:46)
I was very careful not to take this verse out of context, but as you have time, check out the laws of Leviticus. It can be gruelling to read the same lines over and over again about how to stay “clean”. This was only really brought home when I heard of ministers being criticised for keeping their doors closed for having “little faith”. I hate being stuck at home as much as the next person, but God acknowledges our humanity and the wisdom in keeping safe from disease. If we continue to isolate, continue to test and quarantine, we will “flatten the curve” (less people will have the disease at the same time, making it more manageable, and less people will get it). Have strong faith, pray for healing and the destruction of COVID-19, but be wise, and follow the advice of our political leaders and police. Today, two lovely members of our church sent my family lasagne through Uber Eats and brought my mum to tears – it was faith and community in isolation, and all the more beautiful for it.
To finish, a quote from a man called Tom Waites, who was captured and held in total isolation (without WiFi) for five years.
“Recognise also that sometimes out of suffering, great things can happen…
Well, I’m not saying we should look for suffering, we don’t have to, it finds us, but when it does, it’s not a total disaster. And this pandemic that we’re facing, it’s not a total disaster. Yes, many people will be worried… many people will suffer very considerably, but out of it for some, and I hope for the majority, something creative may emerge.”