I know many people have been stuck inside with no outlet to reality. We turn the television on and see talk shows happening in their pajamas and everyone wishing things would just go back to “normal.”

For my little family not a lot changed because my daughter already has been doing online school for the past five years and my husband works from home and travels for work. The only real difference for us has been having my husband home for a longer period. I think before this whole world situation we were going through the daily motions, like everyone else in the world.

I should rephrase my above statement, that things did not change a lot for us…I think something definitely changed…we don’t take our time together for granted. We have enjoyed spending more QUALITY time together. It has been fun having my daughter around more since her work has been closed. We have had more time to make memories–more time in the kitchen cooking and crazy dancing together. We had a spontaneous day of kite flying. We have been learning new skills like drumming (my family LOVEs—eye roll) when I pull out my drum to play them a song. We took days putting a 1000 piece puzzle together. Pulling out old games like Battleship & Clue & my daughter not getting enough. We have been outside hula hooping–a new sport we have taken up. Running outside in a hailstorm to feel the pelts of tiny snow hit our faces & me tripping and falling flat on my face. Enjoying longer drives up a canyon, finding new places to see. Watching hilarious videos together on Youtube. Getting outside and appreciating nature’s beauty and the movements of our bodies. And feeling even more gratitude as we look out our windows and genuinely feeling bad for those people in different places around the world that cannot go outside and only have a window or balcony to enjoy the beauty of the world. We are grateful to have a yard.

This time in the grand scale of life has been but a moment, but if you can look on the days and find fun, to find those things that you can be grateful for, then this time will be cherished. You and your family will look back on the Pandemic of 2020 and smile. The rush of memories will fill your mind and you will have so many moments to talk about and happily remember how blessed you were to be with those you love.

This is also a time to think of the MANY people who were touched by this time in such a tragic way and pray for them. Pray that their hearts will find peace. Pray that you will once again NOT take anything you have or have experienced through this for granted.

I hope as things slowly begin to change and things begin to go back to some kind of “normal” that you will take the lessons learned through this and play them back within your life. Remember to appreciate all you have. Remember to be grateful each day for the gifts you receive each day. Remember to be thankful for the work you have. Remember to hug those you love. Remember to get outside more and appreciate the beauty around you. Breathe. Pause. Remember all you have and all that is good in your life.

To help you not take things for granted:

Peace and love to you today. -H