Self-Reflection

I thought since today's the last post for April, why not do a little reflection on how this month has gone for me?

Everything that's happened in the past few weeks goes to show that, we may make our plans, but it's God who really has the final say on what's going to happen. Who would have thought that all our big plans and intentions would come to a standstill all because of a global pandemic? We're practically living through a history moment.

Just imagine, God willing in the future, telling your kids about what really went down in the year 2020, when the whole world was struck with a pandemic. Social distancing, lockdowns, shutting down of places of meeting and social gatherings, high number of deaths, fights over groceries, stock shortage of toilet paper. It's honestly a crazy time.

One main thing I've been hearing during this period in time however, is how everything has been stripped away, so that God can finally have our attention. Think about it. Many of us say we're too busy to pray or read our Bibles or spend time with God. But literally now that the world has 'shut down' what's our excuse?

I'm going to be completely honest. Even during this time, I still find excuses not to do the things I always said I was too busy for. Now that I actually have the time, I end up wasting it or not allocating enough time to the things of God. During this period of isolation and social distancing, many temptations spring up and I won't lie, I've let myself succumb to these temptations.

Why?

Source: Carolina Heza

Because I've let my carnality take control instead of the Holy Spirit. There's a saying that, the devil finds work for idle hands. When we don't spend our time doing meaningful things, it's easier for us to fall into temptation. Rest is good. But there is a difference between rest and laziness. Laziness leads to idleness and idleness leads to trouble.

I've also noticed that, now that I have time, I can try to achieve a lot of my new year goals. I want to come out of this lockdown with an improvement of skills and to have gained more wisdom in Christ and of the things around me. I know everyone has their goals for this lockdown period. It could be finishing that novel you started a while ago, picking up a new skill, developing a business idea, improving your spiritual life, or simply just using this time to rest and take care of yourself, physically and mentally. But I know myself, and I know that if I don't use the time I've been given now wisely, I'll never be able to get it back. I plan to make sure that every day, I do at least one productive thing from my bucket list.

One other thing I've realised so far is that I truly am an introvert. It's not that I didn't know this before, but even during this lockdown I've come to realise that I truly live in my own world sometimes. I've found myself doing a lot of social media distancing. Honestly, the symptoms of a true introvert. I check on my friends obviously but there are times when I'd rather just not check my messages, especially when I've found a good K-drama series to binge watch. But you get the point.

Social media distancing actually isn't a bad thing. I've heard it's actually good for your mental health. Detoxing from social media and even just your phone from time to time is quite good, so why not give it a try? Especially those who can't seem to get away from their phones for even five minutes. That doesn't mean don't reply to your messages at all though (I'm guilty of that sometimes but I can honestly probably name a few people who are guilty of doing this too). Reply to those messages people!

Social distancing and lockdown is also enough to make you go crazy from either boredom or to be honest, your family. Anyone with siblings will understand that during this time, you're all going to push each other to your limits. The amount of arguments my siblings and I have already had is honestly just funny to think about. And it's not like you can go somewhere else and relax/ calm yourself down, because they're basically in the same house as you. Don't get me wrong, I love my family. But a bit too much time together is bound to spring up arguments and fights. It's good to learn how to give each other some space too and try not to get angry at every little thing that they do wrong. It's funny how times such as this can really test your patience.

April has been a whirlwind of a month. But all in all, some of the lessons I've learnt as after self reflecting are that:

1. I need to spend every day as wisely as I can and make the most out of it.

2. I should let the Holy Spirit lead my actions, rather than listening to my carnal mind and body.

3. Social media and internet distancing can be really good for my mental health, although I shouldn't leave my message unread for a long while.

4. I should use this time to achieve whatever it is that I want to achieve, because I know that this is my time for it, and if not now, when?

5. And lastly, my family is great, but some space to breathe and think is always a great thing to have.

How's your time during this pandemic being spent? Share your comments below or email/message me your comments on social media. I'd love to hear from you! Have a great day!

Stay blessed and stay a blessing