I appeal to you therefore, brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:1-2

For most of us (I’m hoping), we are staying put and doing what’s necessary to flatten the curve, not overwhelm our healthcare system and protect the most vulnerable (and ourselves) by doing less. It was an abrupt stop to the natural American rhythms of doing too much, staying busy and being everywhere at once. It was difficult. It was a sharp nose dive into a different pace and culture. We were forced into a kind of sabbath, maybe at first physically then if lucky, emotionally, mentally. Questions of life priorities, of what matters most, of what we truly need as human beings emerged. Maybe stillness popped in. Maybe a new normal or, an openness to a new way is starting to set in.

Then BAM. The challenges arrived. Post this. Inspire us! Make a video. Tag 5 friends. Post a picture. Tag 8 friends. Virtual FOMO anyone? Why didn’t I get that challenge invite? Everyone’s doing it. The need to make “quality content” seeps in. I spent 2 hours yesterday afternoon trying to tape a 1.5 minute monologue. Silly, silly, F.

The intentions of these challenges are probably well-meaning. However as more of these pop up and fill our minds and schedules, are they sneaky ways for the old way of life to wreck our new normal? Are we trying to fit in the former ways of doing too much and competition into this potentially new way of simplicity and enough-ness? Are we adapting to a new way or allowing old ways to dictate how to experience the now? How do we stay motivated without participating in another form of frenzy? What renewals and revelations did you initially experience that are fighting the conformity of the world?

Prayer: God remind me what a YOLO spirit-led life feels and looks like. Show me what I can let go and not participate in. Show me what discomforts I can grow in. Renew me. Refresh me.

Creative: Do something you loved when you were a kid.

Brave: Draw a boundary with something, somewhere or someone.

Generous: Who needs your patience today?