(Note: This is a guest post from Renee' Hall. Be sure to let her know how this encouraged you!)
I look around and see families doing happy things together during the pandemic. They are cooking and eating as families, using the time to play outside together, reading books, and going on scavenger hunts. Some do this as part of their normal lives. But some have been ‘forced’ to do this but have taken advantage and used the time to reconnect and restore what has been lost in our fast-paced living.
Be thankful in all things.
On the other side, businesses are failing as there is no source of income due to mandatory closings. Families are suffering for so many reasons - no money for rent and food, single parents that can still work but have no childcare, moms and dads who have no patience for homeschool. People approaching retirement are watching their life savings dwindle as the stock market has record breaking lows. Couples are challenged because they have forgotten what it is like to communicate with each other and are now forced to “shelter in place” and spend time together.
Be thankful in all things. God’s word tells us to be thankful.
Colossians 3:15-17 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Let us be thankful for this pandemic. Let us hope that we can always remember how we used it to spend quality time with our families or how we used it to restore relationships.
God’s plan is always the best for us. Even when we can’t see it, and when we can’t figure it out, He knows.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.