The Coronavirus Stimulates Family Creativity

We are living in uniquely different times.  Across the globe it seems that life is either in slow-motion or has come to a practical standstill.  Schools are closed, perhaps not to reopen until next fall.  Students will now become engaged in online learning - which should not be a problem for those students who have the drive to learn, but which could prove to be disastrous for those students who struggle with learning.  Restaurants and bars are closed - where does one go for "happy hour" these days?  Drive through lanes are still open but how many Big Macs can a person eat over the course of weeks of semi-isolation?  Libraries are closed.  Many retail stores have reduced hours or are shuttered altogether.  We are being encouraged to remain in our homes.  Churches are canceling services, many going to live-streaming in order to keep their flocks somewhat connected.  Yes, these are uniquely different times. 


What can a family do?  Let me offer some suggestions. 

• Bake some cookies together and then decorate them.  Yes, I know it is messy having little people stir in the flour, but oh the memories that can be created.   
• Play a game as a family.  Lots of great board games that will stimulate conversations as you play.  Some of the old-standbys are great: Monopoly, Careers, Yahtzee, Chinese Checkers (I guess you can still call that game with that name), Go-Fish - just to name a few.
• Put together a jigsaw puzzle.  There are so many to choose from these days.  Great way to spend time together as a family. 
• Create your own pizza.  Yes, even make your own crust. 
• Read a good book - perhaps taking turns reading a chapter aloud.  I know that if I choose to self-quarantine I have several books on my shelf just begging to be read. 
• Watch a good movie as a family.  There are so many that can be downloaded today through Netflix and other sources.
• Have a family songfest with each family member choosing a special song that can be sung.  Perhaps you might want to share why that song is special.   
• Facetime grandma and grandpa, especially now that us older ones have been encouraged to stay at home.  How they would love to visit with you. 

This is a time when families can be creative.   The sporting world has been put on "pause."  March Madness became March Quiet.  Baseball may return to being just a summer pastime this year.  This is not a time for boredom; it is a time for creativity and imagination.  So much for the coronavirus.  This, too, will pass as they say.  We will look back upon it and tell our grandchildren and great-grandchildren how we lived through the COVID-19 scare of 2020. 


Let me update you on Israeli politics.  As you know from previous blogs, the election held earlier this month, once again resulted in no clear winner.  There were two parties that garnered the majority of votes: Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud Party and Benny Gantz's Blue and White Party.  This past week, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin invited Benny Gantz to form a coalition government.  He will have six weeks to bring this about.  What was surprising was that Prime Minister Netanyahu was not given the nod of forming a government first.  Could it be that the Prime Minister's long reign as Israeli leader is coming to an end?  It is quite possible.  Whatever happens, it will certainly change the political landscape in Israel.


So, how are you doing through this coronavirus pandemic?  I am confident that we all are taking more precautions.  Washing hands more thoroughly and more often.  Wiping down countertops and door handles.  Remaining indoors as much as possible.  Heeding those changing governmental directives.  But how are you doing emotionally and spiritually?  If all we relied upon was the media coverage of this coronavirus, then fear setting in becomes a reality.  It seems that headlines are not meant to inform but to stimulate fear.  But here is where I want to encourage you.  Paul wrote these words of encouragement to Timothy: "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV).  God challenged Joshua who faced a daunting unknown of the Promised Land: "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9 NIV).  Our fears are replaced with confidence in God.  He has this coronavirus under His control.  It will accomplish His purposes.  Should I be prudent during these times?  Absolutely!  Should I heed the warnings?  Absolutely!  Should I respond with fear?  Absolutely not!  "My hope is in the Lord who gave Himself for me!"  I trust you can say that as well.