What if the Coronavirus is Really a Blessing?

I've been thinking, what if the Coronavirus is really a blessing in disguise? Don't get me wrong, I'm not grateful for a pandemic or happy that people are getting sick. But, because I know God is in the business of using bad things for good, I can't help but look for the blessings that will come from this.

As of yesterday, the entire United States seems to be out of colorox wipes, toilet paper, and bottled water. Every event, meeting, and gathering is cancelled for the next 2 weeks, even public school. The world is panicking over this virus but today, I saw the beauty in all the cancellations. The way I see it, this is the beauty God is bringing out of the chaos. 

The pandemic is giving us a gift. The gift of chances. 

The chance to....

relax and rest

spend time with your loved ones

catch up on laundry

read a book in the hammock

play a board game with the family

take the dogs on a long walk

have a family movie night

read your Bible 

cook dinner with your spouse

take a hot bath

listen to the rain or watch the birds build their nest

play basketball with your son

bake your favorite cake

paint your daughter's toe nails

spend more time in prayer

organize the closets

talk on the phone with a friend
work on a crafting project

let your kids do a science experiment

work on a scrapbook

enjoy a long shower

bake homemade pizzas

plant flowers or a garden

read a chapter book with your kids

binge watch a show

open the sidewalk chalk and doodle with your toddler

complete a few tasks on your to-do lists

work in the yard

go fishing with your husband

enjoy an ice cream cone

take a long nap

The list could go on and on....

The Coronavirus and the panic it's caused, are forcing us to slow down. We didn't ask for it, but we're being given the opportunity to be truly present in our homes and with our families. There will be stress and worries, like always, but instead of seeing only the negative, let's remember how beautiful all of these "chances" are. These days, we must be forced to take time for these things. If not, we'll never take these chances.  The Coronavirus is giving us a chance to create memories and reduce the regret we'll endure in the future.  I am grateful for the chance to do all the things I listed above over the next few weeks. 

In 2020, life is busy and rushed. So maybe this virus is a blessing. Let's choose to make the most of the pandemic we face. Let's enjoy the days ahead, as well as all the things the Coronavirus is giving us the chance to do.