Cinco de What?

Cinco de Mayo?  When did that happen?

The past 2 months have seemingly flown by while at the same time been the longest 2 months ever!  Why?  A historical pandemic call the Coronavirus, or COVID-19 has kept me personally inside for 8 week, except for a total of 9 hours which includes time walking the neighborhood this week.  I had surgery March 9th to remove my tonsils, fix my septum, and open up my sinus cavities.  Three days later, Dallas declared a state of emergency as we had our first positive case in DFW. 

I was healing from surgery and I am asthmatic, so my family began shelter in place immediately.  Online shopping, curb side groceries, and food delivery were our new normal.  We saw no friends or family aside from ZOOM meetings or FaceTime.  And for a solid month, I only left the house for 2 hours, both for post-op appointments with my doctor. 

Normal is missed.  I miss my family and friends.  I miss my church.  I miss my students.  I miss meandering through the stores at my leisure.  I miss hugs!!!  What?  I'm an extrovert!

But...I believe in the plan and purpose from God.  We live in a fallen world where bad things happen to everyone...good, bad, it doesn't matter.  Instead of focusing on all that I miss, I choose daily to focus on the blessings that come shining out each day.  My favorite verse gives me hope!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"   Jeremiah 29:11

Before this pandemic, our lives were crazy busy.  Two parents working full time, two teenagers involved in several activities, two teenagers with very busy social lives, and two teenagers who didn't drive yet.  This equals a hot mess, and that is before we add in church and leading a life group at church.  So for all the negative aspects of this pandemic, there are also many positives.

I was able to heal from my surgery and an infection after surgery completely while working from home.  I have had more time with my daughters and husband now that we are all at home together.  As a result of us being home, we have had more movie nights, laughs together, and a ton of game nights.  We have also started exercising...Chris and the girls are running together and I am walking. 

I have also been forced to slow down, which my body, mind, and soul desperately needed. And while Chris and I are still working full time from home, our schedules are somewhat flexible.  Savannah and Payton are completing their 10th and 8th grade years at home, but doing really well with a flexible schedule and time management. 

And somehow, we made it to May 5th and were able to enjoy the perfect day...where Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday collide!  We celebrated with mexican food and some time doing our various activities around the house that make us happy.  It wasn't a big hoopla and that was completely fine! 

So today, and every day, slow down a bit and really enjoy all the blessings that surround you.  And if you are super quiet, you might hear Giggles from Heaven.

Tammy