In this time of “stay-at-home” with no school, no church, and no real contact, it’s easy to get depressed and sink into despair. Especially for teenagers who thrive on interaction.
BUT – Think of it as a great opportunity to be who you want to be! Make yourself known for DOING something rather than how you look. In this time of people isolation, there are so many opportunities to stand up and stand out.
Teens tend to pierce, dye, and clothe themselves in order to “be different”. There is no greater time than right now for people to mark themselves with gifts of community service.
The challenge is to make a difference for someone else. It’s an amazing time to learn to crochet – make hats for cancer patients. Or mow grass or pull weeds for an elderly neighbor who can’t do so for themselves. Or learn to cook and deliver baked goods to those with small children or elderly people or widows.
Or get in shape – train for that charity 5K that will surely happen as soon as this is over. Or learn how to sew – make masks for hospitals, nursing homes, and veterinary clinics. Or learn a new language so you can really go on that mission trip once travel restrictions are clear. Or read all of those books you have on your list. You can do audiobooks from the library while you clean or sew or cook or mow.
Connect with a local church group or non-profit that does inner-city outreaches or soup kitchens or tutoring programs. You have been given an amazing opportunity to help others and make yourself a hero in someone’s eyes.
Set a goal and DO IT! There are no distractions. You can do whatever you set your mind to.
Now is the time to be excellent at whatever you choose – and you have the freedom and power to do almost anything you want. It’s a great time to dig in and develop yourself into someone better!
One of my favorite passages from Philippians chapter 4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Dr Vet Sonya 