This week, we were faced with a hard decision. To some it may not have been hard, but for us it was incredibly difficult. And I believe this was just the first of many difficult decisions that are about to come our way.
Our two oldest daughters were cast in rolls for their middle school production of Seussical that was supposed to take place in the spring. This would be our oldest daughter’s final performance on the stage where the seed for her love of theater was planted, blossomed and grew into her heart’s greatest passion. This would be our second oldest’s first time performing on that stage after practicing for days and nights on end to secure a roll she wanted so badly.
They would both be on stage together, and we were thrilled.
When the school year ended and the performance couldn’t take place, their director promised she would make it happen.
We held on to hope that the girls would be able to perform, and wanted desperately for them to be able to do so. And then we heard she had received the green light. The performance was on.
Are we in? Or are we out?
When we thought the performance would be rescheduled months ago, I thought for sure we would be in, but now I wasn’t so sure.
What do we do? We’ve been so cautious up until this point. And with the numbers rising across the country, how could we say yes? And how could we say no? They’ve already had so many things taken away. How do we choose to not allow them to participate in something they love so much?
Back and forth and round and round we went.
In the end, after talking to the girls, we decided for our family it was best to have them skip this production. In some ways, I think they were relieved.
It’s hard for them to imagine their rolls going to someone else, but they understand why we have made the decision we made. And I’m so proud of them for that.
These kids have dealt with a lot over the past few months, and they have handled it all so well. I wonder sometimes how I would have been at their ages, and I honestly don’t know if I would have been as mature in my responses.
Parents, we are coming to a challenging time right now. As the number of positive cases seem to be increasing daily and with fall on the horizon, we are faced with many decisions.
Some of us who have never considered homeschooling suddenly find ourselves wondering if this may be the best option for our children. The question of do we send them to school, or teach them online, is suddenly taking up space in our minds.
Some of us who have never hesitated to sign our children up for their favorite sport are now wondering if it’s worth it. We received an email that softball registration is going to be opening and now we are once again faced with the question of do we or don’t we.
For some, this may be frustrating to hear. You may be thinking – just do it. Don’t live in fear. But it’s not that simple, is it?
In fact, I don’t believe it’s living in fear, I believe it’s trying to make the best decision for each family based on our unique situations with the information we’ve been given. We want to simplify it. But it’s not that easy. Every family is different. Every individual is different. While we are all facing the same pandemic, our situations are not the same.
School is going to begin soon, and we don’t know what that will look like. Sports are going to be starting soon, and we don’t know what that will look like. The fine arts departments are opening their doors again, and we don’t know what that will look like.
We just don’t know.
But what I do know is this – we can and we will eventually come to the other side of this. That is what I keep reminding myself when I feel confusion taking hold, or when I feel discouraged about our circumstances.
We will come to the other side. We just need to be patient. And continue to take this one day at a time. Let’s lift each other up. And encourage one another as we face these difficult decisions.
To the parent who has to get back to work and needs to send their child to school, I’m for you.
To the parent who decides to homeschool their child until they feel more comfortable with what is happening with the virus, I’m for you.
To the parent who feels like it is time for their child to get back into their activities, I’m for you.
To the parent who wants to wait and keep their child at home a little longer, I’m for you.
To the parent who is worried about their child’s mental health and feels like they need to return to some normalcy, I’m for you.
To the parent with high risk children who aren’t willing to do anything right now, I’m for you.
To the parent who just doesn’t know what to do, but is taking it one day at a time and hoping someone will make their decision for them, I’m for you.
This is hard, folks. Let’s continue to build each other up and support one another in our decisions. The battle isn’t flesh against flesh. All battles are spiritual in nature. Let’s look to the One above who is in control. That is where we will find our peace. That is where we will find our strength. That is where we will find our hope. That is where we will find the ability to love our neighbors and to treat others with the respect they deserve.
We may not be facing the exact same obstacles, but we are facing the same pandemic. Let’s love each other well. When history tells this story, I hope it can become a story of unity. Of neighbors looking out for neighbors. And of people rising above their differences. Of support and encouragement. Not divisiveness and personal agendas.
My husband and I both felt a great peace after we made our decision and that is how we knew it was the right one for us. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but in the end it was right for our family.
I pray that whatever you may be facing today, that the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds and that you can move forward in confidence, knowing He is with you. Every step of the way.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9
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