When we first learned of the quarantine restrictions we decided to cancel a family trip. This was especially disappointing because we were going to see a new niece/cousin who was born in January and we have not had the pleasure of meeting. Events like this can cause us to lose hope and see the negative side of these uncertain events.
We miss school, sports, work and recreation, however a slowed pace has let us enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. How often are we able to walk and truly enjoy the trees in bloom, forming a canopy over a street, without being interrupted by a car or two? We are thankful that instead of rushing out the door we’re seeing the kids bake and seeing how much they enjoy presenting us with new recipes (I’m not going to lie, I still don’t like the clean up). We are thankful that technology lets us work and communicate with our family and friends. We are thankful for the time to remember that it’s not the “stuff” we have, but the people we have in our lives. When asking the kids what they were thankful for at dinner the other night they unanimously agreed (that never happens!) that it was the school’s “flyby” and seeing their friends on the sidewalk.
What’s come out of this situation is perhaps renewed faith and hope. What a wonderful gift of time we’ve been given; time to slow down, enjoy the quiet and recognize all of God’s creations and offerings without being cluttered from the rush. The essential workers keeping us safe and providing safe environments are true heroes and give us hope. We have faith that although this is a struggle at times, we will learn from it. May we continue to lean on these feelings of enjoyment, hope and faith as we navigate these uncertain times.