The things we take for granted

In the midst of finding everything we possibly can to thank God for in this uncertain time, I think it's equally important to physically name the things we're missing, those things we took for granted, assuming they'd continue to be available just as much as before.

I think it's part of the grief process. Acknowledgement. Because let's just face it. We're all grieving. Life paused in so many aspects, and we don't know when it will ever go back to the way it was, if it ever will. Of course, this crazy virus isn't going to keep us confined to our homes forever. But big events like this change everything when we finally do get to move forward.

So what exactly are you missing today?

I miss those daily hugs from my students. 

I miss coffee shops and getting together with a friend for coffee or tea.

I miss weekly visits with my mom over a hot cup of chai.

I miss date night, a chance to get out and go out to eat with Mike.

I miss routine, structure, and productivity. 

I miss not having to think about an icky virus every time I touch something.

I miss those quiet afternoons at the gym on the weekends. 

I miss all the weight machines at the gym. 

I miss being able to come and go as I please. 

I miss visiting my parents and their sweet dog. 

I miss physical meetings because virtual meetings are pretty close to uncomfortable phone calls to me. 

I miss being able to plan and schedule things.

I miss being around my close circle of friends.

I miss my classroom and all of the unused supplies inside of it. 

There's a whole lot I don't miss--like all the rush and noise cluttering my mind, all the lack of sleep, all the testing at school, etc. But that's not for this post.

I just wanted to put a name to all those things I took for granted, and I hope you'll do the same. Just the simple act of naming them helps us through that first stage of grief--acknowledgement that it even exists.