Now that we’re a few weeks into the Corona Quarantine (or Big Rona, as some of the youth like to say), I imagine that you, both parent and teen, have been struggling with patience. Close quarters, the fear of the unknown, frustrations about schedule and school, and all of the Zoom calls that everyone is doing has definitely helped to test our patience and our ability to hold onto joy in the midst of trials.
So I want to offer a small encouragement and challenge for both parents and students during this crazy time.
Let’s start with students:
If you’re anything like me, you probably struggle to want to do the good stuff you know you should be doing when it seems like nothing is going your way. Or maybe you just feel tired and sort of…meh… about everything. When those feelings hit, it’s easy to be short with your family, frustrated with the rents, or even angry and confused at God (why’d He allow Corona to mess up sooo much of life anyway?!).
My encouragement to you is Galatians 6:9, which says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
I can’t tell you when this will be over or exactly why this has happened, but I can tell you that we serve a great God who has a plan. Keeping doing the good: the good Bible reading, the good school work, the good attitude towards your family. Because God is faithful to reward you as you glorify Him.
Now for you, parent:
I can’t even begin to imagine or understand the stress you are under right now. Know that Rachel and I are praying for you and that we are here for you as best as we can be. I want to encourage you with Ephesians 4:2, which says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
I bet that it can be difficult to stay patient and gentle with your student when you have so much going on in your own life and you have to worry about them. Your student is looking to see how you handle this time and will be taking cues from you. So trust and rely on God to get you through this and bring your student into that. Live out this verse as you respond to their worries and fears. Be gentle, both with yourself and with them, as you walk through the unknown and follow Christ together as a family.
We love you and we’re here for you. You can get through this!