We start, it seems to me, by asking the question. The shakeup that comes from this pandemic and the economic issues that tag along is good for waking us up. It is so easy to go through our normal days without giving much thought to why we do what we do. Are we busy about our King’s business? Are we intentional about the work that we do, and the way that we do it? Am I raising my family, or am I just watching it grow? Take the time, while you have the time, to ask these kinds of questions.
Second, spend some time doing what you can do to make things better. If you can’t go to work, such doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work. It just means you can’t go. Work not just at home, but perhaps on home. Those projects that never seem to get done? Now is our chance to do them. I’m not suggesting you need to finish the room above the garage or build your own potting shed. But maybe tighten up that wobbly door nob, or clean out the clutter in the attic.
Third, start reading through the Bible with your spouse. You know how you always say, “I know I ought to do this, but things have just been so hectic”? Well, if Covid-19 is keeping you away from your normal appointed rounds, maybe things are less hectic for you. You will find, if you start, that it is a great blessing to you, your spouse and your home. More Bible has never been a bad idea.
Fourth, have some old-school fun. It seemed, back when I was growing up in western Pennsylvania that power outages were common, especially in winter. What I remember was the fun of it, not the inconvenience. You likely have power, but now would be a great time to break out a deck of cards, or a board game, to play chess with your children, and remember a time of more simple pleasures. Games, once upon a time, were designed to allow room for conversation, and for quiet, thoughtful strategy. Most games today, like video games, are just Red Bull with rules. Greater intensity isn’t what troubled times call for but greater calm.
Fifth, find a way to encourage someone. You could do that with a phone call, an email, or go utterly retro and send an actual letter, written in your own hand. It doesn’t have to be maudlin or over the top. Just a “I appreciate you because…” I’ve been personally blessed in including in my Jesus Changes Everything podcast a segment each week called Heroes You Never Heard Of, in which I take a few moments to remember the people that I have admired who aren’t well known. It feeds my soul to remember God’s grace through others.
Finally, find a way to serve those who serve. I’ve enjoyed seeing stories like the person who would buy a gift card at the grocery store only to hand it to the cashier, or the person who left out toilet paper and hand sanitizer for any delivery men who came by the house. There’s a great deal of tension and fear out there. Saying thank you to those living in risk to make sure we have what we need is good for everyone.
And pray. Pray for the world, for the country, your state, town and neighborhood. Then pray for you, that God would cause you to grow in grace and wisdom and that He would bear the fruit of His Spirit in you.