These are certainly strange times. Perhaps the fear of the unknown is only slightly greater than the fear of going stir-crazy while enduring two months of isolation from your community. How can you make the most of being homebound? Begin by focusing on what you can do, rather than feeling frustrated with what you can’t do. Here are five positive action steps :

Draw Close. Use this as a beautiful chance to draw close to loved ones both under your roof or at a distance. Avoid the temptation to constantly peruse social media, and instead be deliberate about engaging in conversation and experience eye contact. If you have kids, get on the floor and build a fort, read a book, play board games, do some art work or a puzzle, cook a meal or watch a movie together. It will require loving-kindness and patience toward each other, but couldn’t we all use a little growth in that area?

Reach Out. Consider ways you can reach out to help others who are in need or may feel alone. Perhaps you can offer to watch the kids of a healthcare worker or drop some groceries off at the local food bank or give gift cards to someone who has lost their job as a result of the quarantine. This is not a time to think only of ourselves, but rather to think of the needs of others.

Take Up. What are those projects that you have always said you would do if you just had more time? Here’s your glorious opportunity! Start a blog, write a book, read a book, learn a language, discover a new talent with art or floral design, take up guitar lessons, start working out – the possibilities are endless.

Weed Out. Most of us have drawers, cabinets and closets that need a little weeding out and cleaning up. Use this time to simplify and get rid of extra stuff that you no longer use or need. You will experience a sweet sense of joy when your place is organized  – and who knows you may discover things you haven’t seen in years. When life speeds back up again, you will be glad to have everything in its place!

Be Still. We all need quiet alone time to meditate, pray and rejuvenate our spirit. In the normal hustle-bustle of life, we rarely take intentional time to be still and listen. This is a good time to focus on who God is and to seek to know Him in a deeper way. Read the Bible, seek His direction and release your burdens to His care.

Let’s continually be aware of how God wants to use us to impact others during this unique time. May we be grateful for the blessings He has given us and be generous with love and good deeds.