COVID and Indecision

My stomach tied in knots as the thermometer beeped. 102.8. The numbers stared at me, demanding that I take action and make some decisions. Both Micaela and Adela were sick with fevers and a cough. A few hours later we had all missed school and a nurse was shoving a long cotton swab up their noses. 

Now, I need to confess, I have never been an overly fussy mom when it come to colds or the flu. I have always did the normal: pushed fluids and make sure they rested. The girls typically went from yearly check-up to yearly check-up without seeing our family physician. I have trusted in their bodies' ability to fight off infections. But, then came COVID and the numbers on a blinking thermometer arrive with a thousand questions.

What do they have? Is is something they will be able to pass on to others even after a few day? Do I need to have them tested? What if it is COVID and they shut down the school? Who has been in contact with us recently? Should I call them? 

Yesterday the doctor gave us the verdict: no COVID, no flu, but probably a different virus such as RSV.  The doctors orders: push fluids and make sure they rest. 

I had to admit, I felt so very frustrated. In my anger, I had to take a good look at something I battle: indecision.

Indecision is where you feel like a battle is going on inside your head. You don't know what is the "right" thing to do. You might even make a decision and then continue to beat yourself up about why it wasn't a good choice or might not be a good choice. This is so destructive. The end result is an accelerating feeling of fear, frustration, and anger. 

Instead we can follow these steps:
1. Evaluate our priorities. If you know how things land in your list of most important to least important, it is easier to make a choice that is in line with your values.
2. Praise God and pray for guidance and protections. Sometimes re-connecting with God and the Holy Spirit will give us clarity and peace before we make a choice.
3. Make a decision and make it final. Don't keep revisiting your choice or beating yourself up. 
4. When the dust settles and the situation is over, evaluate your decision to see what you can learn for next time. 

That is pretty simple. When I go through those steps I realize that I am thankful for the choice of taking the girls to the doctor. I was both getting them looked over by a medical professional and potentially protecting people at school from whatever their little bodies were fighting. 

Today I am home with the girls. They are doing better. I try not to grieve for the days gone past when I could parent in a more simple way, but then I remember, God has not changed. The God who protected and guided me and mine before the pandemic is the same God who watches over my little family today. 

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,
  and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you will remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,
 but you are the same, and your years have no end.
Psalm 102:25-27, ESV

Adela making Micaela comfy in an attempt to get her to rest

Try out those four steps the next time you are battling indecision. I pray it brings you some peace and confidence.