Life has temporarily shut down for many of us. I love to be busy and productive. I love planning, schedules and “to-do” lists. The Bible tells me not to be idle (2 Thessalonians 3:11), that there’s profit in work (Proverbs 14:23), and that I was “created for good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

However, at this time the world is experiencing something our generation has never before experienced. With the current pandemic, states are shutting down, businesses are closing, and people are told to stay home. Even churches are having to make decisions about whether to have services or meet at home. Yes, it is a very strange time in our country and in the world!

So, as I am confined to my home for the unforeseeable future, what do I do? Can blessings be found in slowing down for a time? I believe it absolutely can! Here are a few thoughts.

Slowing down helps me to:

• Remember to count my blessings. I am thankful to have clean water, plenty of food, a soft bed, longer days with later sunsets, a place to walk outside, and good WiFi (James 1:17, Philippians 4:19).
• Appreciate God’s beautiful creation. It is springtime and I can mindfully watch the earth change from the browns and grays of winter to the beautiful colors of spring. Every day I am aware that the earth is becoming greener, trees are budding, and new flowers are popping up around me (Job 12:7-9).
• Have time to quietly reflect and be mindful of my surroundings. As I take walks through my neighborhood, I hear the birds chirping, feel the breeze rustling through the trees, and smell the freshly mown grass. Time spent in God’s creation reminds me that I am just a speck in this universe, and yet important enough for the Creator to love and care for me (Matthew 6:26-34).
• Think about the past and plan for the future. Stepping back from my typical schedule, affords me time to think about activities in which I have been involved. Are they worthwhile pursuits? Could I do them better? What might I want to do in the future? I now have time to evaluate, plan and pursue worthwhile projects (Proverbs 16:3).
• Value the time spent with people I love. While home, I see parents in my neighborhood riding bikes with their children and couples taking walks together. Families are playing board games, reading books, baking, and talking with one another. For years, much has been said about “quality time,” but we now have an opportunity for “quantity time,” which has tremendous value. In light of past health scares in our family, I am well aware that life is but a vapor (James 4:14). I want to appreciate every minute I get to spend with the people I love.
• Spend more time with the Lord. If we don’t plan for it, time with God may be on the back burner of our busy lives. Days may go by without opening His word or praying longer, heartfelt prayers. Slowing down gives us more opportunity for Bible study, prayer, and meditation (Psalm 119:105, Luke 6:12, Psalm 119:15).
• See the creativity & resourcefulness of fellow Christians. One of the most interesting things I have seen during this period of quarantine are the interesting ways Christians are teaching and serving others. Preachers who have never done online lessons are now doing them. A wonderful idea for an online lectureship called, “Connect” begins this week. Ladies are preparing children’s Bible classes to present online, complete with visuals and printable files for children to do at home. Some are posting family Bible times and Bible stories to share. Others are using scrap fabrics to create masks for hospital workers. Not being able to do things the way we’re used to doing them isn’t stopping God’s people from teaching and serving others (1 Samuel 12:24, Romans 12:11).
• Appreciate the wisdom of God through the church. Quarantines and isolation are difficult for many people. This new “social distancing” can cause loneliness, disconnection, and even depression. God knew that people need each other, therefore He gave us the greatest support group of all time…the church! It provides us with a circle of friends, a family in whom we can depend, and fellow co-workers with the most important mission and purpose in the world. The church is the “manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). This time apart will cause us to love and appreciate our time together even more!
• Realize that no matter what difficulties or hardships come, the church will never fail. Though the government asked churches to cancel public worship services to stop the spread of the virus, that didn’t stop thousands of Christians all over the world from gathering in homes to worship God. Many tuned in for online church services while social media accounts were filled with photos of families worshiping God together. No matter the situation we find ourselves in, God’s kingdom can never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

While we pray for the many people in the world who are suffering and for a speedy end to this virus, it is because of this difficult and unusual situation, I am given the opportunity to learn the value of slowing down to see and appreciate God’s blessings.

“Be still and know….” (Psalm 46:10)