These days are sad days because of the increasing deaths from COVID-19, and we mourn with the families that mourn. The Coronavirus pandemic has also forced most of us to compulsorily spend more times in doors. For some people, this is very un-welcomed because of its adverse effects on business, income, movements etc.

Rather than let this time slip away however, can we deliberately use it to add value to our lives and the lives of others?

Here are 5 things I have been doing, and you may consider trying them out:

1. ISOLATION WITH GOD
   I’ve always wanted more time to pray. In the hustle and bustle of life, I’ve always desired more time in isolation to listen to God; to sit quietly, to read for hours on end; to reflect on Him, on His Word, on my life. These days have been good to me because I can do that without feeling bad that something is suffering elsewhere. It’s been also time to recalibrate with God.
2. REVIEW HEALTH HABITS
   I have always known that I needed to lose weight, to exercise more, to change my eating habits — but there’d been little time to make a change of habit. With these days at home, I’m able to workout in the mornings and evenings, eat healthy, drink lots of water and generally reduce the pressures of an intensive work life.
3. REST
   I can sleep longer and rest more. Rather than leaving home by 5am for work, I wake much later and can have an afternoon nap. Initially, I felt guilty about this until I realized that God was forcing me to take the Sabbath rest that I have been violating for years. Rest is a compulsory physical need and we need to give the body the rest it deserves. While praying for the needs of your world, please make time to rest your soul and body. Faith In God’s ability is what will bring change. Rest in that hope.
4. WRITE
   I am a writer. I love to write. I write my thoughts, my spiritual lessons, books etc. There are books God has asked me to write for years but I’ve not had time for them. Before my night comes, God has given me these days of quietness to invest in writing. Are there things God has been asking you to do but you’ve not had time to do it? Maybe things at home? This is the time to do it.
5. BOND
   This has been a great time to bond with my wife and children. It’s also time to reach out to other family members that I had unfortunately not been able to connect with. It’s time to call friends and relatives and bond again. Even if you’re unmarried, think of ways to bond over the phone and social media with extended family members.

CONCLUSION

God has allowed this global “slow down.” There’s not much you can do about it. Love your neighbors and help the needy around you. Do ministry as God gives opportunity. But please, consider using this time to build yourself for the journey ahead… for the journey is still far!