Being thankful during the coronavirus

Without doubt, the world is dealing with a serious problem.  The coronavirus has caused havoc everywhere.  People are sick and dying, businesses are closed, money is tight.  Social distancing has become a new way of life and it isn’t easy.  How can we be thankful during this difficult time?

Focusing on our problems keeps us stuck in negative thinking and this will never have a positive outcome.  This pandemic may last for weeks or even months but it WILL pass.  We need to focus on things that will bring us through this tragedy and give us hope for the future.  We have the power to make our own choices.  We can allow our fears to take control of our lives and expect the worst or we can have a positive perspective and think about everything that is good in our lives.

This virus is a terrible thing and we need to use common sense and be careful in everything we do.  We certainly don’t want to get sick and we need to take all necessary precautions (washing hands, social distancing, staying home as much as possible) to avoid this from happening.  However, it is comforting to know that most people who get sick are recovering from the illness.

It is always important to be thankful for all the good things in our lives but especially now so we don’t lose our hope and joy.  Make a list of the things you are thankful for and post it on your fridge or somewhere that is visible so you can be reminded.  Here are some things to get you started:

• Our families – start building closer relationships
• Our friends – connect daily with them by phone, email or social media
• Our health – stay indoors as much as possible, exercise, take daily walks using social distancing, eat healthy and of course wash your hands often!
• Our houses, food to eat and clean water to drink – think about all the people in the world who are homeless and don’t have these advantages
• Our health care workers and everyone who is selflessly doing essential jobs to keep us safe and healthy
• Our governments who are doing their best to contain this virus and help families with their finances.

What can you add to this list?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Family traditions

Most families have some kind of family traditions that they celebrate at certain times of year or even every day.

• a festive meal at Christmas followed by singing carols and opening presents
• a family gathering at church for an Easter celebration
• a backyard barbeque for a summer birthday
• an annual vacation to a favourite campground
• reading stories at bedtime

Traditions form the foundation of our families and remind us that we are part of something other than ourselves.  They bring families together and give us the chance to celebrate things that really matter in life.  Traditions allow time for creating lasting memories and honouring past generations by sharing stories, beliefs and values.

It is important that we use every opportunity to follow old traditions and create new ones.  They shape our personality and help us develop a positive sense of belonging.  Taking the effort to keep traditions alive is time well spent.  Research shows that families who spend time together have stronger connections and experience fewer emotional and behavioural problems.

If you don’t have any family traditions, why not start some right now.  Traditions are important for keeping families together and helping us bond with those we love.