By Sis Marjorie.
Is it really possible to have a happy home during a time of so much suffering and pain? The answer is definitively: “Yes”. This may, on the surface, appear far-fetched but in all honesty, there is an element of truth in the statement: “life is what you make it”.
January 1st 2020 started with a bang for many people. Some made bold New Year resolutions setting out dreams and aspirations for the Year ahead; whilst others kept a low profile, desiring nothing more than to see their family members contented. However, for many, dreams and aspirations were suddenly turned upside down whilst others felt cheated as they watched loved ones taken away by an enemy they could not see. It was (and still is for so many), a bitter pill to swallow on hearing that is possible to have a happy home during a pandemic.
However, on looking at this matter from a Christian perspective, it can honestly be said that although God did not promise that life would be a bed of roses, He did promise sufficient grace and strength for every challenge that life brings our way. Some of you may argue the point, “Well I’m not a Christian and therefore it is difficult for me to see things from a Christian perspective”, and whilst that is true, even so, all is not lost.
First of all, to have a happy home during a pandemic will take a lot of effort and is something that has to be worked on by all members of the family. A great deal of thought and co-operation must be applied by all involved, in order to obtain the desired results. For example, when everyone is locked together in the same space for a considerable length of time, it can have disastrous consequences if care is not taken. So there must be a member (or members) of the family who will take the initiative to introduce new ideas of things that can be done as a family. Things such as:
- Meaningful family discussions about things that concern the entire family unit;
- Introducing a “Family Quiz Time” – this can prove to be both educational and fun for all participants;
- Family members coming together to prepare and/or cook a meal; rather than just leaving the usual family “chef” tied to the kitchen (unless of course, he or she prefers it that way);
- Everyone pulling together to get the household chores done; resulting in more recreational time for the entire family.
All of the above are simply suggestions which, if adopted, can bring once alienated family members closer together (e.g. children who at times felt isolated from their parent(s)).
At a time when many families are faced with internal (as well as external) pressures, (caused by loss of a job; limited finance; a sense of failure in not being able to adequately provide for their families), it is imperative that common ground be found whereby everyone within the family structure has a sense of worth and belonging. Simply put, creating a loving environment where no member of the family feels left out makes for a stronger bond between siblings and parents.
From a Christian perspective, God has a plan for every life. No matter who you are or where you are from, YOU matter to God and because of this He wants nothing more than for you and every member of your family to have a happy and peaceful home during a pandemic or otherwise. The perfect recipe for a happy home.
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11 (The Holy Bible)
3 replies on “A Happy Home During The Pandemic”
This is a very lovely piece. One thing I’d also like to observe is our often self-centredness as members in the family. We’re often engrossed with our mobile phones and laptops we hardly have time together as a family. Many family don’t even know how to spend time together without inputs from technology. Siblings grow up these days having hardly spent anytime with their brothers or sisters, and they’re soon off to Uni. Though siblings, yet strangers. Parents don’t know or understand their kids anymore because their entire time is spent on social media often locked away in their room. All these with lockdown added are often not good mixtures. Where lockdown should bring families back together again, our self-centred nature is still seeking for own-space, own-time and doing things own-way. It’s important every member of the family learn to relinquish ‘own-stuff’ and embrace ‘family stuff’. Life lived on social media is no life. No one looks back with fond memories of years spent browsing social media. The family times lost to social media can’t be regained. The relationship and bonding opportunities lost now can’t be regained later. It is imperative that parents tackle this issue, set time table for family times and look for something everyone will enjoy and do it together. Such family times spent laughing together will be bonding times that will form the blissful memories of tomorrow that each member of the family will come to cherish. The time is ticking away, we should make it count.
God bless.
Nice piece Sirkay.
SirKay, thank you for your comments, one of which impacted greatly – i.e. your comment that “no one looks back with fond memories of years spent browsing social media”. It is very sad to think that modern technology has become so intrusive in the lives of families that smartphones / social media has become a preferred substitute for quality time with family and friends. I pray we will all make more of an effort to do some adjusting.