Hello, Zion family!

I recently re-watched the recorded Easter service from 2020, and, once again, it filled me with joy. This time, there was a theme that stood out to me. Many of the messages included sentiments like:

• I’m eager to get back into church again.
• I hope it goes away.
• I miss people.
• I can’t wait to see you all.
• I hope we can get together soon.

It’s been nearly a year since COVID-19 restrictions have been in place including quarantining, wearing masks, and physical distancing. It’s been a difficult year in a variety of ways for many people. I’m fortunate and thankful that I have not been faced with the loss of loved ones or loss of employment. However, I’ve still been struggling. My love languages are quality time and physical touch, and I’m an extrovert, so isolation is difficult. I miss people. I miss hugs and high fives. I miss seeing our Zion family in person. While I was watching the video, I realized that there are people who I haven’t seen in person for almost a year!

According to MentalHealth.gov, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.” I learned recently that more people in our country are struggling with depression and anxiety than ever before because of the COVID situation. People are seeking help, and there are not enough counselors available to help them.

There is still a stigma in society about people who struggle with mental health issues, and I’m quite an advocate for mental health awareness for myself and my loved ones. Some strategies that I’ve learned to embrace while working towards my own mental health include:

• Crying. Sure, I’ve learned to cope, and I have a lot of strategies that I can use, but sometimes it’s hard and I cry. And that’s OK.
• Focusing on the good things in life like connecting with our Zion family through Midweek Musings, outdoor worship services, and our unusual picnic/car parade. I’m also counting sleeping in on Sundays and listening to the sermon when I wake up as a good thing.
• Connecting with others: I’ve been running a weekly virtual trivia league since last March, and it’s been amazing to see how teams are connecting with each other and supporting each other. One team had a 9 year old with cancer who was in treatments until December, and the other teams rallied and sent him cards and gifts to encourage him. And last week’s episode of Zion Sunday School was an excellent time of fellowship!
• Reaching out when I’m not OK: I have a group of friends who encourage and support me when I’m struggling, and words cannot express how much I am blessed by their presence (either virtually, via phone, or even safely in person).
• And, of course, spending time with God. Check out the following verses that have been sustaining me: Psalm 18:19, Psalm 91:11-12, Isaiah 40:31, Isaiah 43:2, Zephaniah 3:17, John 16:33

I’m looking forward to the day when we can meet in person again. I’ll even be excited to sing “He Is Alive” . . . actually, I’m sure we’re all going to want to sing it together. And I know that I owe everyone a raincheck on breakfast! Until then, stay healthy – both physically and mentally.