We’re living in an unprecedented time. COVID-19 has uprooted our lives and everyone is trying to adapt to a new “normal.” We hope you’re adjusting well and finding ways to pass the time! I noticed that staying safe at home has changed more than just my schedule, though. It has improved my family relationships more than I ever could have imagined.
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My Experience
My husband and I only live about five minutes away from my family. However, we only went over for Sunday dinner about once a month. Since the outbreak, we have designated our apartment and their house as safe zones. We see them way more often! Both my husband and I have loved spending more time with them.
We have also been video chatting with my in-laws a lot. It’s been magical! I have seen both sides of our families coming closer together, having deeper conversations, and making more of an effort to show love.
As for my little family of just my husband and me, we’ve almost felt like we’re on vacation. We stay up late because we can’t stop talking, we try new recipes daily, and we have gone on more walks than I can count. I’ve loved every second, honestly. We’ve grown so much closer.
Your Experiences
I wanted to know if others were having a similar experience. I asked people on social media and got some amazing responses. Here they are!
“I think we connect more now than we did before. For us, it has made us look at what’s really important. My husband has started preschooling the boys himself and we incorporate God into our daily lessons. It’s really helped us.”
“We have a lot of better communication! We are working out issues that we didn’t even know were there.”
“For the first time in our lives, we have woken up in a quiet house, with no schedule or demands on our time, and enjoyed pillow talk, laughter, reminisced and dreamed of the future until 2 in the afternoon. We’re in our 60’s and feel like newlyweds in our 20’s!”
“Because my kids know there’s no alternative, I’ve seen them putting an extra effort to play together, be patient with each other, and give each other a second chance.”
“Taking the sacrament together at home, playing games, watching movies, going for walks, and baking & cooking together has brought my family closer.”
A Global Family
I have also noticed that my local, national, and worldwide communities have been strengthened. People have been showing support for healthcare workers, donating goods for those in need, and tipping delivery drivers with toilet paper. I have seen more kind deeds going viral than ever before.
People have been banding together to share goodness in a time of despair. I have felt much closer to my community and family across the globe. What good news have you seen happening near you?
Peace in Christ
I am so grateful to have the gospel during this time. No matter how anxious or fearful I get, the Savior always helps me feel peace. He knows how we all feel right now and can bring us comfort no matter our situation.
Using my extra time to study the gospel more deeply has been a huge blessing. I highly recommend it! Coming closer to Christ has brought me immense joy and happiness I didn’t think I could feel during a worldwide pandemic.
Related: Do Mormons Worship the Family?
Tell us in the comments about how your family has grown closer during this crazy time! We would love to hear from you!
