Navigating 2020

by Louise Shuster ​

When thinking of 2020, we all thought of a New Year with new possibilities and growth, well we all got that. Being home during this time has taught me that I can grow in any situation. How can we take being told to stay home with our families 24 hours a day a good thing? Not all situations are good. It is what we make of them. You can look at being home with everyone as a bad thing or as a way to start new traditions. We can also think of those that are home alone. They have no one that they can yell at for leaving the toilet seat up again. ​

Staying home has given me more time with God. I learned about a new app that I love. It is called the Harvest App. I can live stream church services and bible studies. It has been a positive thing for me. My home church is very small and has no online presence. This has also helped me to say "Ok everyone Mom is having alone time" then I go in the closet and hear my thoughts and talk to God. Yes the closet is my spot. I have 4 daughters all at home and a very loud husband. I started going in the closet after my son died to just ground myself and get some peace and quiet. 

Grief during this time has taught me that my God can get me through anything when I put all my trust in him. I am trying to be the wife, mother and keep everyone happy while still being a grieving mother. When I feel myself slipping is when I stop and pray. I think about the things my son would say about us staying home. How he would handle this situation? Then I thank God that he chose my son to be called home and for allowing me to be his mother. 

It is so important as women to take time for ourselves. Not just physically, don’t get me wrong working out is great but mental exercise is just as important. My sister is always telling me to put my oxygen mask on first just like they tell you on the plane. You can not help your child if you can not help yourself. During this time we literally have to put our own mask on first to go get groceries. We also have to take time for ourselves and have alone time with God. As a mom your children are your everything but don’t forget to stay connected to God after all he gave you those crazy wonderful children. 

Enjoy your time at home and know that one day you will look back and not have the memories of being stuck at home. You will have the memories that you made with your family.  I have been cooking with my third oldest daughter and I know her and I will never forget the time we spent together. Do things that make each other smile! I promise you will never regret building the largest blanket fort. Make memories, spend quality time, and most important through all this trust in the Lord. 

Louise Shuster is mother of five very individual people. One was called home to Heaven September 2018. She is trying to deal with her grief so that one day she can help other moms navigate the rough waters of loosing a child. She lives in sunny California. She home schools one of her daughters while wrangling an enthusiastic toddler. All this while trying her keep her perspective positive and open. Trusting in God to lead the way.

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