Change is always hard, especially when it involves situations over which we have no control. The restrictions imposed by authorities on state and national levels in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 have changed how we conduct our day-to-day lives. Many are chafing at these limits, but positives always emerge, even in negative situations.
Following are some positives amid the climate of social distancing and quarantine:
Pulling Together to Fight a Common Enemy
For this moment in time, the divisiveness that plagues our country takes a back seat to fighting a common enemy, a health crisis that doesn’t distinguish between genders, races, or political parties. Now, what matters most is the safety and well-being of all. People are pulling together, helping, donating, rallying, as if in a time of war, not for recognition, but to provide aid and create solidarity. While some act out of greed, most are banding together with concern for others and a willingness to do what is necessary to win the battle against this unseen enemy.
More Time with Family
Most of us are so busy that time with family is often at a premium. Trying to schedule a family meal involves intricate planning and juggling multiple calendars. Now, families are home together, and many are embracing these days as a time to reconnect by limiting screen time and engaging in conversation and joint creativity.
Slower Pace
For many, life is a triathlon with little break before moving on to the next set of hurdles and challenges. Now, the slower pace provides time to catch up, rest, assess, and plan for a time when forward motion resumes. While the pace is slower, assess your schedule and see if there are areas that need adjustment. Work on tasks you continually move to a back burner. Enjoy rest, taking full advantage of it rather than feeling as if you are slacking. Incorporate daily exercise, something you may struggle to find time for in your regular schedule. Plan for changes you’d like to implement when the pause button on life toggles off.
Renewed Appreciation
Social distancing and self-quarantining bring to light the liberties we often take for granted. Normally, we enjoy the freedom to go where we please, and gather publicly or privately with as many in attendance as we choose. We attend church, eat in restaurants, shop in stores, go to the gym, and rarely think about the fact that we are free to do so. We enjoy a plentiful, ready food supply, that in recent weeks has been less plentiful or non-existent. And, perhaps above all, we live our lives free from fear, not worrying about illness and death on a daily, or hourly, basis, or about jobs ending and sudden financial instability.
When this crisis is over, remember to appreciate all the freedoms we enjoy. And now, in this period of uncertainty and waiting, express love and appreciation to those who have had, and continue to have, an impact on your life.
Moments of Quiet Reflection
The current climate provides a chance to ponder what we value, reflect on blessings, and adopt an attitude of thanksgiving. Pride, self-sufficiency, and feelings of control diminish as we realize vulnerabilities and acknowledge our need for God. In an attitude of humility and repentance, pray, asking God to end this deadly pestilence and heal our land. Trust his power and experience peace. Now, more than ever, we need a Savior.
[If] “my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 MSG
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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