Have you ever taken the Myers-Briggs Personality test? If not, you might want to try it -I think it helps you understand your reaction to events and challenges (such as social distancing). My personal Myers-Briggs type is "ESFJ" and according to a Google search, ESFJ indicates a person who is energized by time spent with others (Extroverted), who focuses on facts and details rather than ideas and concepts (Sensing), who makes decisions based on feelings and values (Feeling) and who prefers to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging).
Well, for someone like me, staying primarily in the house and distancing myself from most social contact is obviously an energy-zapper (Extroverted). And since I prefer to be planned and organized rather than spontaneous and flexible (Judging), the daily uncertainty of dealing with a pandemic is grossly stressful, especially when the facts and details (Sensing) seem to change minute-to-minute.
But now, I at least know why this is such a difficult time for me and I can take steps that might help to reduce the stress - like talking on the phone and taking the dog for walks (yes, I admit I talk to my dog lol!). In fact, maybe now is the time to set up a prayer "station" in the house where I know I can go when I need to connect with God. Another thing I can do is to plan and organize certain things that CAN be planned and organized (maybe a few drawers or closets perhaps). Scientifically (according to Myers-Briggs), these are all things that should help me to cope with social distancing.
So what is the most stressful part of the current situation for you? What's causing you to worry? What's causing you to be afraid? Is it being socially isolated? Is it boredom? Is it a lack of purpose? Is it financial concerns? Is it something else? And what can you do today to help you cope?
The one thing we all need to do is to keep our minds on the fact that God is in control and that difficult times are an intentional part of this "training ground" called life. God expects us to not just COPE with difficult situations, but to LEARN something from them, and to come out on the other side as a better person. So let's open ourselves to God's direction and let's allow that process to happen.
Have a blessed Monday, and find something to thank God for today!
Pastor Janice
