By Nancy J. Farrier
How many of us had plans for 2020 that have changed completely? All of us? Most likely. So far, 2020 hasn’t been like a train derailed, but more like a train jumping from track to track, going one way and then another. It’s been hard to make plans.
Right now, many are experiencing a new adventure—the adventure of online school. It’s so hard for the parents who work full time and aren’t there to make sure their kids are understanding the new forum. It’s hard for the teachers who’ve had to learn a whole new method of teaching and monitoring students.
Two of my grandchildren are among those learning from home while their parents work full time away from home. Since cloning herself wasn’t an option, my daughter-in-law asked if I could sit with the kids and help with any issues they have while learning to do Zoom and online schoolwork. I agreed to come at least part time and we’ll see how things go.
Keep in mind, writing and editing are full time work for me. However, I can take my computer with me and work at my DIL’s house while being there for the kids. This isn’t like home schooling because the teachers are online teaching. I’m more like the monitor in the classroom who can also step in if the student needs help.
What changes in my schedule? Some of that remains to be seen. Right now, I’m getting up earlier to get a walk in before I have to make the forty-minute drive to their house. I need to prep my breakfast and lunch the night before so I can grab them and go as soon as I get ready. And, I will probably have to work later in the day to accomplish what needs done.
Actual working is a little more challenging. I’m writing this post while my grandson is between classes. I’m saving my editing job for when I’m home and in my office, but there are a lot of business and short writing posts I can do in between helping my grandkids.
Why do this? Because they are family. Because I am able to.
Because I love them.
We are all making sacrifices out of love for one another and there is no greater gift to give. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (To that I will add family.)
Laying down our lives for someone doesn’t always mean the physical giving up of one’s life. This can also be a commitment to help, or a giving up of one’s desires to help another.
Many of us in 2020 have had to “lay down” our lives for those we know or those around us. While 2020 may be a challenging year, this lesson, and learning to change our plans according to another’s need is something good that is happening.
What changes have you had to make?
Please feel free to download and share the scripture quote.