In a time when things seem super serious, I still laugh a lot. Mostly, I laugh at a myself. I also laugh at some of you and your COVID-19 memes and posts about homeschooling your children. Don’t get me wrong. Over the last week I’ve had my moments of feeling “sumkindaway” about all of this. But mostly, I just find reasons to laugh and gain a deeper appreciation for who God is.
As a person in the “at risk” population I’m pretty much confined to my home and going out on my deck for fresh air. This has given me a big opportunity to show God that I have matured and that I am committed to living by his word. So…in an effort to live out 1 Thessalonians 5:18, here are seven things I’m grateful for during this global pandemic.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
#7 Not Going to the Grocery Store
I hate going to the grocery store. When I can — and I usually do, I choose delivery. Instacart, Prime Now, and Fresh Direct are my besties. When I am forced to go into the store there are inevitably a few people in the self checkout with a full cart of groceries. The qualification for using self check out is not simply having arms. It’s reserved for those with limited items, people. Quarantine has rid me of this thorn.
#6 Keto Snacks
I just ordered a whole variety box of cheese whisps for delivery. Though everyone hoarded the carb-packed bread, beans, and rice, I had no problem getting my celery and cauliflower. In fact, I got cauliflower rice in a four different flavors. Being keto during quarantine has supply and demand benefits.
#5 The Girl Scouts
While I’m delighted to enjoy my sugar-free almond flour desserts, my husband and son need something a little less nutritious. At the beginning of my quarantine, Morgan, our Girl Scout supplier, delivered thin mints and cookie dough. The Girl Scout motto is “be prepared” and we have enough cookies until summer. I sure am grateful that Girl Scout cookie season was not cancelled.
#4 An Awareness of My Shortcomings
I hate driving, especially in traffic. I was born to have a chauffeur in all instances. Since I do not, I’ve become accustomed to having I-287 traffic as an excuse for my flawed humanity. “See Lord, this is why I can’t stop cussing.” I had convinced myself that outside of traffic foolery I am a good, patient person with an even temperament. Being in quarantine has helped me realize that I may still have a few issues outside of my car.
#3 Online Workouts
Speaking of shortcomings… it took me 47 years to join a gym. Hey! Don’t judge me. Working out was not my thing. It’s still not something I do for fun. I do it because it keeps me healthy and energized. Without these online fitness workouts, I’d definitely just lay around and watch Cuomo and de Blasio fight it out on CNN. I’m grateful that I won’t lose my workout momentum.
#2 Being the Only Girl Around Here
I’ve missed out on some things by not having a daughter– dance classes, mother-daughter spa days, and talks about boys who throw rocks because they like you. However, this quarantine has helped me see the benefits of being the lone squatter. We can stretch our toilet paper longer because I’m the only one who uses it more than once a day. Granted, I’m now showing signs of TPSD (Toilet Paper Stress Disorder). If I need a third square, I gulp. How long will our sixteen rolls last? Will we be able to get more? I know Charmin hasn’t stopped production but I also know that some of you slipped the stock boy at Target $20 to call you when the next shipment is on the way. Mmm Hmmm….game recognizes game. I used to be you.
#1 The Bible
C’mon! You knew what #1 was all along. In times like these I’m grateful for ancient scriptures that remain relevant in contemporary life. Scriptures like Joshua 1:9 instruct us to “be strong and courageous.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us to walk by faith, not by what we see. It looks a little crazy right now, but Shine TYC living means knowing that God is in control of this entire situation. Don’t be freaked out. Read some Bible study emails for encouragement and wisdom.
Staying at home and slowing our frenzied lives can be quite an inconvenience. However, it also provides us an opportunity to reconnect with our spouses, children, family, and friends in a different way. Take this time to be present (from a distance) and find a few things to be grateful for in the middle of this storm. These are the moments, people. These are the moments where you say to the world, “I believe God.” We have an opportunity to remind people of what Jesus said in John 16:33.
I have told you this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus