Working from home.
Homeschooling.

Unchartered territory for many.
Yet, it’s the new norm for most at this present time.

Having navigated through these waters for the past 15 years, the following are some lessons we have learned along the way which I hope you will find helpful:

TAKE A DEEP BREATH
None of us could have ever expected to be in this position. The fact is that it can be overwhelming. Breathe. You are not alone. God is with us. He is our Help, our Refuge, our Strength. In addition, remind yourself that family, friends, and neighbors are in the same boat. Now, more than ever is the time to stay connected with each other.

SHOW EMPATHY
In the frenzy, we can forget that our kids are just as taken aback by this. While they may have been thrilled at first with the idea of not having to go to school, now they are facing the reality that they’re missing their normal routine and events which have been canceled. Place yourself in their shoes. Ask how they’re feeling. Tell them you can only imagine how difficult this must be for them. Give them a hug and love on them.

PRAY
We begin our morning together by reading a chapter from the Bible and then, discussing what God is saying to us. YouVersion has countless reading plans to choose from if you need one that will work for everyone. We conclude by sharing our praises and requests with the Lord. This time together really helps us to create a peaceful atmosphere for the day.

SET AN EXAMPLE
Our children tend to emulate what we do and say. When we are fearful and anxious, they are afraid and worried, too. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Choose faith over fear and watch them follow suit. 1 Samuel 17 tells how the Israelite army was afraid of Goliath and his torments. Then, their disposition changed after David showed up full of courage and killed Goliath.

CREATE A CONDUCIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Find a well-lit area. Have space for your supplies. Tell your spouse and/or kids when you’ll be in a meeting to prevent disturbances.  Remember that kids are not accustomed to sitting in front of a computer for hours of learning. Have flexibility and allow them to work on a subject, walk away to get a drink of water, reenergize, and return for the next subject. It allows them to burn off some energy and come back refocused. The same goes for you when you’re working.  

BE FLEXIBLE
Did I mention that already? We have learned that is truly the name of the game when the unexpected happens. Rolling with it has helped us maintain sanity and also, show grace to each other. Believe me, I understand how easy it is for everyone to get under each other’s skin right now. Maybe you feel irritated by a spouse’s habits or maybe you feel exacerbated by how to keep your kids occupied. Colossians 3:13 reminds us to “Bear with each other and forgive one another,” Verses 15-16 (MSG) states, “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, … And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house.” 

ENGAGE IN CONVERSATIONS
Use this gift of time to chat about anything and everything including thoughts, hopes, dreams, and their favorite: stories from your childhood and your experiences.

HAVE FUN
While the circumstances are concerning, we can still use this time to create special memories as a family. Playing board games and making meals together are just some ways to have lots of laughs that will last a lifetime. This past week after school work is done, we’ve had a movie night every day just to unwind and relax from the news of the day.

While being together as a family 24-7 may not have been your norm up until now, I pray that you will feel God’s presence all around you in your home.
~Joyce