This year has brought so many frustrations, canceled plans, and disappointments. I’ve been disappointed not to be with family members during this holiday season due to concerns regarding exposure to COVID-19.

While I was having a little pity party about it this morning, God reminded me He redeems things for good, and I should look for ways to redeem this time to stay connected to family.

Get creative and try one or more of the following:

• Use technology for good! Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or FaceTime allow for “the next best thing” by having a virtual visit with loved ones. You might even consider setting a place at the table for the laptop or computer at mealtime to eat together virtually.  Watch a movie, bake cookies, or do some crafts together using virtually connecting technology to make it happen. These ideas also work for a quarantined household member.  
• Think outside the box and meet outside, socially distanced if possible. My dad set up a fire pit on the patio to eat outside comfortably while staying distanced to protect one another. A friend of mine met family members at a park where they stayed 6’ or more apart but could to visit and connect in person safely.
• Consider an online Bible Study where you are able to read a daily devotional and share your thoughts. The Bible Gateway app has an easy way to do this. I have a sweet group of friends that conducts a Bible Study via Marco Polo, allowing everyone to share what God is teaching them from the safety of their home.
• Get in the Kitchen and make your traditional family favorites – even if they are on a smaller scale. It will help you feel connected to the familiar.
• Set up a Group Chat where you learn new things about one another. Send out a question to everyone in the family and ask them to respond only to you. You can then send out the answers and have everyone guess which answer corresponds with which family member. Here are some ideas to get you started:
  • What’s your dream job?
  • If you could receive one gift and money is no object, what would you want it to be?
  • You are on a private plan and can go wherever you want. Where do you tell the pilot to take you?

At this point in this pandemic, it’s so easy to be discouraged and give up on fun. Make the extra effort to connect and redeem the season!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10