I am not sure I have ever heard the word “unprecedented” used so many times in such a short period of time. There is no doubt that we are entering a time that no one in our lifetime has faced. We have never seen life come to a complete stop without warning.
Many of us have become work from home, homeschool parents for the first time in our lives. Many have not left their homes for days and are unsure when they will be able to do so again. I believe in the midst of this God is teaching us a great truth: that we have been robbed of so much by the busyness of our lives.
God is breaking the hold of busy on our lives and giving us a gift: each other.
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Hitting the Breaks
For the first time in all the years that my family has lived in this neighborhood, we are seeing families take walks together and children riding bikes. Our neighbors are speaking to each other and checking on one another.
We have looked up from the devices and distractions and found there is peace in simplicity and hope even in the midst of uncertainty. Let us not miss this chance that God has so graciously gifted us with.
The message we send in our homes can be one of panic or peace.
We can set the tone for how our children will face the days ahead. We can teach them how to cope well and see the joy that we have in Christ despite our circumstances. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
How do we make the most of these days when we are sticking close to home? What do we do when things are closed, and we are forced to be homebound?
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1. Open Your Bible
As unprecedented as this time is; it should be a time that pushes our faith farther than ever. Amid the unknowns of this life, our response should be to run to the word of God rather than listen to the noise of the world. Only God can speak peace into our chaos.
A great book of the Bible to begin in, I believe, is James. This book will give us instructions as believers on what our actions should be in the midst of hard times, and how we should be living our day to day lives when all of this passes us by.
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2. Make a Quarantine Bucket List
Making a bucket list is a great way to get the whole family involved in. Add projects you have been putting off, spring cleaning chores that need to be done, movies you have yet to watch. Anything is up for doing as long as it can be done in your house or back yard.
Now is the time to get creative with what you have. Think BIG!
There are countless things that you can add to your bucket list, but don’t forget ways to connect with people you love. Facetime calls are a great way to stay in touch with your family and friends!
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3. Listen
The hazard of busy distractions is that we have stopped listening to the people in our homes. Let your kids tell you all their incredible stories. Listen to your spouse talk about what is happening in their heart.
Ask questions of your people. How are they feeling? What do they think about all that is going on around them? How are they connecting with friends? The questions are limitless, but be sure you listen to their heart as they respond.
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4. Get back to Worship
Create a worship playlist through Spotify or Apple Music. On this playlist, keep encouraging and uplifting songs that will continue to point you to the truth of God’s word over and over again.
Keep the TV off as much as you can and keep the worship music flowing in your house. We play ours in the kitchen over the Bluetooth speaker as we complete school and work tasks. This keeps the whole family in a state of worship over worry.
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5. Get a Head Start of Spring Cleaning
What better time to tackle that closet than now? Change your winter wardrobe out for your spring and summer clothes. Tackle the clutter that has been staring you down all winter.
Spring cleaning is a time I open the windows, dust ceiling fans, wash curtains, and do other tasks that we put off all year. Think about it; while you are at it, you can kill all the germs in the house at the same time!
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6. Read Books
Most people, when asked why they do not read books, say it is because there is never enough time. Well, now, you have time. Instead of filling your dull moments of quarantine with extra Netflix, grab a book off the shelf you bought but never read.
Grab a family-friendly book and read aloud to your kids. Expose them to great classical books like Treasure Island, Huckle Berry Finn, and so many others. If you don’t have access to classic reads, opt for the tales from Scripture. Daniel in the lion’s den, The three in the fire, Jacob and His brothers. There are great stories in the heart of Scripture that will keep your family focused on God.
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7. Appreciate the Small Things
If I have learned anything from this quarantine thus far, it is that I had stopped appreciating the little things in life. The sound of the birds singing in the morning, taking walks just to move my body, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, hearing the laughter of my children.
This life passes quickly, and we miss moments that matter. When we are busy and our schedules overwhelm, we fail to see the beauty in small blessings. We forget gratitude. This is the season to recapture that.
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8. Check on Your Neighbors
We are surrounded by those who are at high risk of getting sick. We need to love our neighbors well during this time. We can check in on our elderly neighbors, single moms, and those who are highly impacted by this virus and help.
We can pick up groceries, mow lawns, babysit, or just be a listening ear. There is always something to be done for others. Even just simply letting them know that you are there is a wonderful help.
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9. Take a Walk
Being cooped up inside the house is not only bad for the immune system; it is also bad for your mental health. Science shows that walking can produce endorphins and boost your mood. Not only that but getting out into the sunshine is a great source of vitamin D, which boosts your healthy cells and strengthens your immune system.
Grab your family and make taking walks a part of your daily quarantine routine. You will be amazed by what the fresh air can do for you!
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10. Learn Something New
Is there something you always wanted to learn? Maybe a skill you have been putting off learning for work or your hobby? YouTube is full of educational videos that can teach you something new, as well as your kids.
Some universities and other groups are also offering free educational videos for you to access during quarantine. Keep your mind fresh and pick up a new skill or hobby during your time off. If Isaac Newton can come up with new things under quarantine, then so can we!
This isn’t an exhaustive list of ways to make the most of our time in a paused world. More than anything, use this time to look up to the Lord and seek His face. “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” (1 Chronicles 16:11).
Michelle Rabon is a wife and homeschooling mom of three who feels called to help women thrive in their walk with Jesus every day. In 2012, she started Displaying Grace, a ministry that is focused on helping women engage with God’s Word. Michelle has also served in women’s ministry for the past five years seeking to equip women in the local church through Bible study. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, being close to the ocean, and drinking a lot of coffee.
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Originally published Monday, 23 March 2020.
