We’re a few days into quarantine now, but it feels like it has been much longer than that. We haven’t seen each other in three weeks and it seems like each passing day we are told to become more socially distant. This time for me wasn’t too tough at first, I am a home-body and an introvert. Yes, I missed seeing the students on Sunday and the fellowship after the service, but not having to go to school in person was a blessing. However, as time goes on, even I am going a little stir crazy. I keep being reminded of the series we did in Youth Group at the start of the school year. It was called “Slow Your Roll” though in Youth Group it came to be known as “Slow Your Buns” because the graphic looked more like a bun than a dinner roll (and it sounded funnier). The series was focused on Sabbath Rest. I think I am being reminded of this because while our day-to-day travels have gone down, it feels like everyone is in a whirlwind of trying to adapt to these socially distant times. Learning on how to work from home, learning how to keep the kids focused on their schoolwork from home, and buying essential supplies and food for the next three weeks. One of the wonderful clauses in the Governor's Order was that we are allowed outside to exercise. I have taken to mountain biking regularly through this time since I am not in the limber running shape I once was. One of my favorite things to do is to go hiking. There is nothing like going out into nature, and just sitting in the presence of God. Take some time to leave the distractions in the home to intentionally seek rest in God. During my hiking retreats, I walk miles over hilly and rough terrain every day, but I leave the retreat feeling more rested and at peace than I did sitting at home working on whatever I happened to be working on. It is my encouragement to you all to find a park, a trail, or even just the sidewalks in your neighborhood to go out and find a place to rest.

Let’s take it one day at a time,

Isaac