We started the first few days of 2022 taking it easy because we were feeling a bit under the weather. This meant we didn’t get started on all the things we were planning. Less turning in early and starting before the sun came up and more taking medicine, temperature checks, and resting whenever we could.

We had a few fever free days and we all started to feel a little bit better. But by Monday night, we were swabbing our noses and seeing the dreaded double lines – which meant even more medicine, more high fevers, more temperature checks, and finding more time to rest.

There are moments when these setbacks feel discouraging. But I desire to hold the tension of striving hard towards goals and being open to detours, reroutes, or the need to adjust plans completely. Because the most important thing at any given moment isn't about what goals I’m working on, but how I’m reacting and responding in the moment. It's how I’m learning and growing along the way.

As I reflect on these last two weeks, I’ve had some wonderful memories and sweet time with my family. We played, cooked, rested, and watched loads of GBBO. We’ve felt so much love from those who have reached out, sent meals, and dropped off groceries. These are moments I wouldn’t trade for any goal.

I’m reassessing my plans each day. The most important thing for us is getting our health back to where it needs to be – which for us, means rest.

We’ve rerouted most of our plans, but we’re embracing things outside of our control and trying to be faithful with the things we've been entrusted with. All the while, knowing that whatever comes our way is shaping us for the good and presenting us with opportunities to love and care for those around us.

I’m grateful that our experience with COVID was not as bad as it could have been. There are many whose experience was much more severe and ended quite different than our own. Regardless of whether mild or severe, I don’t want anyone to walk through COVID. Not only is it miserable, it sets you back in work and life, and could potentially be really dangerous and life threatening to others. Once our quarantine is over, we’ll put our masks back on and do our part to love our neighbors.

Wishing you the best in 2022.

| Credits: Author - Jacintha Payne; Photography - Calvin & Jacintha Payne|