Thank You For the Quarantine

A well known, late night comedian has a segment where he writes thank you notes and reads them out loud. The segment is, of course, comedy and is making light of different circumstances by writing a thank you note. As I was doing some things around the house this morning, I found myself saying, “thank you for the quarantine because…..” I was thankful for something I wouldn’t have taken the time to do without this quarantine time at home (like organizing closets). Don’t misunderstand what I am saying, I am NOT thankful for the Covid-19 virus and I am not thankful that it has taken precious people and caused hardship for so many people. What I am finding, however, is that even during this time I can be thankful. Saying “thank you for the quarantine” is just a way to recognize that without the virus and quarantine, our spring would have looked much different. We would have been at multiple extra-curricular events every night of the week, family dinners would have been rare, and I wouldn’t have taken the time to be thankful to God for blessings even during the Covid crisis.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

Despite our circumstances, and in ALL circumstances, we can be thankful. Romans 8:28 reminds us that, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Choose to be thankful, knowing that God is not surprised by any of this and He still has a plan. I’ll share some of my “thank you for the quarantine” list. I’d love for you to comment and share yours below!

• Thank you for the quarantine because now all of my baseboards are freshly cleaned and painted. 😉
• Thank you for the quarantine because I appreciate things I once took for granted. (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, paper towels)

• Thank you for the quarantine because I realize the risk and sacrifice of heath care workers and I am even more grateful for them.
• Thank you for the quarantine taking place in a decade where we can still connect and use technology in amazing ways.
• Thank you for the quarantine and the gift of time it has given me with my family.
• Thank you for the quarantine and the evenings of monopoly, jigsaw puzzles, cornhole, card games, and movies.

• Thank you for the quarantine and for giving space for people to be creative, learn new things, and share their talents.
• Thank you for the quarantine and for people who unselfishly look for opportunities to think of others and to serve them.
• Thank you for the quarantine and time spent studying the Word and in prayer.
• Thank you for the quarantine and time spent outdoors, together.

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• Thank you for the quarantine and the hand written letters sent and received.
• Thank you for the quarantine and for rest and sleeping in!
• Thank you for the quarantine and the awareness of germs all around and the changes we will make moving forward.
• Thank you for the quarantine and celebrations we were still able to modify and still make special.

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• Thank you for the the quarantine and the sweet times of church at home in our living room.
• Thank you for the quarantine and the result of cleaned out garages, closets, and drawers!
• Thank you for the quarantine and the ability to separate ourselves from calendars and plans.
• Thank you for the quarantine because of the laughs between siblings and evening karaoke.

• Thank you for the quarantine and for the teachers who have made quick adjustments and poured themselves into making education at home possible.
• Thank you for the quarantine and for new recipes, reviving old recipes, family meals, and grilling outside.
• Thank you for the quarantine because we appreciate and value “real” people over social media connections.
• Thank you for the quarantine because we recognize that as hard as we try, we are not in control. A loving God is sovereign and has a plan bigger than me.