Lockdown

[dddoo7]

There was a recent study done that showed a surprising effect that has come from the recent self-isolation over the last few months. This survey was take from about 1200 parents who were asked about their time sheltering in place due to the virus and perks of being surrounded by family. 75% of parents said that they were able to witness a key milestone in their children’s lives that they would have otherwise missed. From meeting and aunt for the first time, to potty training, to a child confiding in their parents for the first time about a difficult situation they were facing, families around the US are experiencing good that has come from the lockdown. Most said that the pandemic has brought them closer to their family than ever before. 77 percent said they have enjoyed spending more time with their families. Spouses have learned more about each other’s jobs. Parents have learned more about their children’s hobbies and passions, and families have been more open to trying new activities and learning new skills.

7 in 10 people polled said that the time spent in quarantine has been a wake up call for them to focus improving their families unhealthy habits. Many of those surveyed have made eating family meals a priority during their time of isolation. Parents have enjoyed having a more flexible schedule which allows them to work from home remotely and enjoy more quality time with their families. Families are communicating more, eating healthier, spending more quality time together, exercising more, learning new skills, getting more sleep, learning new things about family members, and connecting more with the ones they love the most.

Work is important and it is something that a Christian is commanded to do. However work is not the most important thing in life. It is amazing that God is able to use something as horrible as this virus to remind us to focus on those we love the most. Family is and always has been important to God. Fathers are to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Mothers are to be keepers of the home (Titus 2:4-5). Children are to love, obey, and honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3). Husbands are to have a self-sacrificing love for their wives (Ephesians 5:25). While horrible on the surface, this virus has allowed Christian families to focus more on the family and less on the world around.

We are at a point where the lockdown is winding down. People are returning to work. The stores and streets are filling back up again. Children will likely return to school this fall. Let us strive to not fall back into our old habits. Let us use this pandemic to learn and grow and become stronger families who are more devoted to each other and to God. Let us in the future look back on this time of quarantine as a learning time in which we have grown together as families, grown spiritually, and became very aware of some of our short comings. Let us be thankful for this great opportunity, this awakening and the time we have been given with our families!