The age old saying “the honeymoon is over” is often associated with marriage; however, it speaks to the end of the short amount of time (called the “honeymoon”) at the beginning of a new relationship, activity, or pursuit when everything goes well and seems to be free of problems. We see this concept played out in life constantly and in abundance. The Coronavirus impact upon all of us began as something new, interesting, and somewhat exciting for many. It brought the feeling of “snow” in the forecast. Decisions about our calendar were made for us. Many demands that we had upon us were suddenly loosed. Each individual in every family was impacted and the family as a whole was impacted.
In life’s journey, excitement comes and excitement goes. It is great benefit to our children to learn this truth as early as possible. We don’t jump ship just because the cruise feels mundane. It’s not our circumstances, but our choices in them that make the difference. I often use the analogy of the young person who can’t wait to turn 18 and to be free. Unfortunately, reality is that once you are 18, the law doesn’t take you home, they take you to jail.
We each possess a human nature that seeks to gratify the flesh, but our true need is much greater than our feelings.
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. This “human nature” often finds us excited when anticipating a planned vacation, only at the end of this vacation equally glad to be going home.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT)
We are all there at this eight-week marker point of the Covid-19 quarantine. Excitement is wearing off and frustration is setting in. Consider this learning curve in your child’s future marriage, job, or education. There are mundane hours, days, weeks and demands throughout life.
Another age old saying “all dressed up and nowhere to go” gives us the picture of wanting more than what is set before us. Busyness and activity driven lives may seem rewarding, but they are not satisfying because we never get enough. Sitting, talking, playing a card game, taking a walk, getting to know each other, parents sharing their journey and life lessons, listening to the birds, and having family dinner together are precious gifts that only time can give us.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Ephesians 3:19-20 (NLT)
