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May 18, 2020The prayer of many people’s hearts during this pandemic is probably similar to the disciples when they were hit by a storm at sea: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). As the days drag on we may feel hopeless, trying to make sense of why this is happening to us.
Our mental health may be waning with anxious thoughts and a depressed mood. Taking care of our mental health has never been more important than now. Staying joyful in a time of hardship begins with gracefully parting with our expectations in order to see life in a new light.Expectations
Life is full of transitions, and the quicker we learn to adapt, the easier we can navigate the new territory. However, change can be painful because familiarity provides comfort. With shattered expectations, how are we to respond? One response is to allow the mind to be plagued with thoughts of all the good things lost, leading to a spiral of sadness. Another response is to adapt to the change even if that involves mourning the loss of great plans and adventures. As Catholics, we are taught that God has our best interest in mind. Trust in God’s mysterious plans must anchor us in the confusion and chaos of a worldwide catastrophe such as the COVID-19 pandemic.Reframe
Our perspective has everything to do with successfully navigating change. We change our perspective by reframing our thoughts, which requires shifting from a negative view of a problem to an opportunity for growth and challenge. When we embrace difficult life situations, we can grow and navigate change more effectively. Here are four suggestions on how to reframe our thoughts:- Anger: Deeper emotions, such as hurt or fear, often hide under anger. The anger cannot dissipate without processing these primary emotions, leaving us stuck.
- Mindset: When we lack creativity in the way we approach life’s difficulties, we remain stuck in a fixed mindset, which implicates the impossibility of change. Shifting to a growth-oriented mindset allows for greater acceptance and perseverance facing trials. Believing growth is possible provides strength to move forward.
- Prayer: Inviting Christ into life’s struggles opens the crisis to be transformed. As Christ walked this earth, He also experienced the pain, sorrow, betrayal, and anger that can plague life. By bringing our anger and devastation to Him, He is able to journey with us providing empathetic support. By shifting the perspective, taking control where we can, and processing anger and pain, we can see how God makes all things good. We begin to understand His loving intercession within the most painful moments of our lives.
(Mark 4:39-40).
He extends the same question to us during this pandemic. Why are you afraid? Do you trust? The work of recognizing our unmet expectations and reframing the way we view this time will ultimately lead to greater trust in the Lord. Move past the anger and negativity so you can embrace this time as a challenge, not as an unsolvable problem.
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