A large part of my days revolve around serving my family. You’d think that they’d be the beneficiaries in that equation, but I’ve been reminded lately how good these people are for me.
For a person who has the propensity to live in her head too much, they are refreshingly grounding. They are real. With real physical needs, real childish silliness, real human interactions, and delightful senses of humor.
Over the past sixteen years of motherhood, they’ve made me less selfish, less self-centered (I think those are two different things), more contented, and more peaceful.
I’ll admit that in a season in which we had zero snow days, the prospect of staying close to home has a wee bit of appeal. And, oh, if we had everyone home and nowhere to go, imagine what we could get done! For an introverted homebody, this isn’t, at least in theory, really a hardship.
When I’m tempted to hyperfocus on this novel virus, my kids deliver a healthy dose of perspective. So does experience. I’m grateful for having lived long enough to know that:
- Few things (if any) are as bad as I imagine them.
- Nothing is new under the sun. This is not the first time humanity has been challenged by illness, nor will it be the last.
- Prudent preparation is good: spiritual, financial, and domestic.
- All things work for our good.
COVID-19 has stripped away the illusion of control. That happens in our own lives when we are confronted by personal tragedies: illness, injury, betrayal, unemployment, natural disaster. But rarely do we witness it on a global scale.
It’s a stark reminder that we have control of over exactly one thing in this life: where we spend eternity.
In that spirit, here are my tips for keeping perspective:
- Pray – The Rosary is a powerful weapon. The Divine Mercy Chaplet seems highly appropriate. Pray while hand washing (the Memorare is a great 20-second prayer), pray for those who are ill, healthcare workers, leaders, etc. Pray for this virus to disappear, but above all for God’s will to be done.
- Work – Work is made for man, not the other way around. It’s good for us. (CCC 2428)
- Keep routine as much as possible.
- Go outside! It’s spring in North America, and the robins are returning and the bulbs blossoming.
- Drop out of the 24-hours news cycle. Seriously. I think it’s detrimental at any time, let alone with constant updates and contradictory opinions on COVID-19. Get your news in limited doses from the most level-headed, trusted sources you can find.
- Laugh. It’s so good for us in so many ways.
- Volunteer. The more you think of others, the less time there is to think about yourself. Can you donate to those in need due to disruptions in services? Does a frail neighbor need an errand run?
- Escape by reading a book or watching a movie.
- Show compassion, especially for those suffering from chronic illness, advanced age, or anxiety.
- Be kind. Always be kind. These are the circumstances that test our character. Let’s not be found wanting.
What tips do you have for keeping perspective?
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I go back and forth between thinking this is all blown our of proportion and this is more terrible than we can imagine. But I never stop trusting that God allows all things for our good. So the more we can turn to Him in prayer and trust, the better! Your 10 suggestions are perfect!