Consider What Matters Most

I am writing this reflection on the fourth anniversary of my father’s death. As I remember the weeks before he died, after hospice had been called, I recall that it was the most challenging and numbing period of my life; however, it was also the most significant time of learning the importance of slowing down and spending time with loved ones. Most of the days leading up to his death, I went to work and then went directly over to his house so that we could visit and enjoy each other’s company for the remainder of the day. I didn’t do much other than that because nothing else seemed as important anymore. My dad was dying and I wanted to cherish every last minute that I had with him.

Four years later, with the coronavirus pandemic causing me to stay home and social distance, I find that, once again, I am being challenged, but also reminded of the importance of slowing down and spending time with loved ones. As an introvert, I am thankful for the unexpected opportunity to read, cook, walk, and journal. As a family, I am grateful that we have all been home for family movie nights, evening gatherings around the fire pit with s’mores, and fun playing board games together. I am not convinced that all of these special moments would have occurred over the past week if we weren’t feeling forced to stay home because of the coronavirus.

Too often, we get so busy balancing all of our responsibilities and activities that we forget to slow down. At the Cothran Center, we often discuss how our programs and events provide that space for students and others to pause. Those who have participated in programs such as our Morning Reflections, Reflective Hikes, the FOCUS program in Northern Ireland, or even our Alumni Retreats, can attest to these as being opportunities for reflection and relaxation. When we slow down, we may be better able to discern what brings our lives meaning and purpose. Below are some questions which might be helpful as you take time to pause and reflect:

1.) What moments are bringing you the most energy, gratitude, or joy during this time?

2.) How do you think your gifts could meet the world’s needs right now?

3.) What might be different about the way you view the world after this?

As we’re all living in this challenging period of uncertainty, may we also consider it an opportunity to slow down and consider what matters most.