I know it seems like a bizarre question, but give it some thought. How have you grown, benefited or become more valuable due to this unprecedented pandemic? How have you orchestrated your surroundings to take advantage of this disaster?
Opportunities can be found in the most unlikely of places. This Corona virus experience is no different. Most of us are stuck at home. Our social calendars are wiped clean. There’s no soccer practice, gym time, lunch dates or even conventional church services. Travel is nearly unheard of and pajamas are the new work attire.
When the quarantine ends and we finally emerge from our captivity, we owe it to ourselves to face this changed world with new skills and experiences under our belts. What language have you said you wanted to learn? What’s that exotic recipe you always wanted to try to make? What about that instrument you wanted to learn how to play? It’s easy to hunker down and neglect this stellar opportunity to enrich yourself as a person.
Relationships and personal health are an important part of our lives. I’ve tried to up my exercise program and spend more time individually with each of my kids. I’ve also committed to spending more time in the Bible and in prayer, as these are the types of things a busy life can easily crowd out.
Home remodeling and repair projects are a productive way to pass the time. Consider enhancing your skills in remodeling during the quarantine. For me, there are numerous home projects that I was behind on. You might even consider making yourself available to elderly neighbors that really could use a helping hand in their repairs.
There are online classes galore – many free – that teach soft skills, software tricks, or technical knowledge. Maybe your need is to polish your resume or to spend time researching potential business markets. Whatever your particular situation, this relative down-time is a gift. Use it.
Have you ever thought about sharing some of your knowledge and experience with others? Maybe the downtime would be well invested in writing an article or two to be posted online or perhaps starting that great American novel you’ve dreamed about.
When we look back on the great disruption of 2020 also known as COVID-19, what will you remember; the fear, uncertainty, and gloom pedaled by the news? Let’s be intentional about making this disaster into an opportunity to better ourselves; a time we can look back upon with pride. Be encouraged and allow me to exhort you to take advantage of this time. Life has thrown us lemons, and this might be the best lemonade you’ll ever make.
Lean in and Lean on.