We’re now starting our 10th week of coronavirus isolation. If you’re like most us, you haven’t quite gotten done all the things you had hoped. June and I have found ourselves busy, but at the end of the day, we don’t feel like we accomplished all that we wanted to. 

There’s a possible answer in an article mentioned in one of Heather Holleman’s blogs. Here’s a snippet of Heather’s blog, including a quote from the article:

I love how the author explains what’s happening in our brains as we stay put in this COVID-19 world. I learn about trauma. I learn about stress. I learn about uncertainty (my least favorite thing!). Our poor brains! It’s time to rest, live in grace, and do whatever we need to do (sleep, eat popcorn for dinner) and feel what we need to feel. She puts it’s like this:

We cannot expect ourselves to function optimally during this time. Recognizing that, and giving ourselves grace in our self-talk about our perceived under-performance or our lack of energy and motivation, is the key to surviving. . . During times of survival, our expectations for ourselves and our families must be lowered. – Parasol Wellness Collaborative, April 6, 2020

That’s the key: lowered expectations! Jason Gay, humorously writing in the Wall Street Journal, said the same thing:

But here’s the thing: I don’t really mind. I’m not demanding perfection right now. I ain’t Tom Brady, people; I eat carbs. Amid unsettled times, I have settled into a peaceful groove, and the groove is called “declining standards.” I no longer expect much from the day, the week, myself, and the world around me…Please don’t worry. I’m fine and happy. I know how lucky and fortunate I am. I merely believe that the new expectation is no expectations. – Jason Gay, Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2020

Maybe that’s another reason Jesus minimized his time with the disciples during the 40 days post-resurrection. There was a lot of trauma, stress, and uncertainty. The disciples needed time to absorb what was happening. Pentecost (coming up shortly on the liturgical calendar) was 50 days post-resurrection. Jesus gave the disciples time. Time to rest. Time to reflect. Time to recalibrate. There was no expectation of production during that time.

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. (Mark 6.31, NIV)

Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24.49, NIV)