PRODUCTIVE AMIDST THE PANDEMIC

DEVOTIONAL

People faced a serious twist during the pandemic, and the virus has upended their daily routines. Strict health protocols like quarantine created inconveniences, leaving old and young feeling anxious, afraid, stressed, and depressed. On the other hand, the crisis generated resilience and grit for those who faced it with a positive attitude and proactive approach.

There are two important responses to life events. A person may consider an event a threat, and another may count the same incident as a challenge. It all depends on how they perceive and interpret it. If we believe we have no control over the event and there is nothing we can do to deal with it, it becomes a threat and stressor. A stressor is a pressure from our environment, and stress is our response to it.

Studies show that stress affects everyone, but not all stress is bad. The fact is there are many ways to manage stress. Richard Lazarus, renowned stress and coping researcher, said we all need to cope with life events using our cognitive and behavioural capacities. Many people avoid the stressors, thinking they will be free from stress, only to find out they feel more distressed.

Is it possible to cope and remain productive amid the pandemic? Let us consider three essential coping strategies: the management of the mind, body, and situation.

God has given us a brain with the capacity to turn threatening events into a positive challenge. Ellen White said, “No matter who you are … the Lord has blessed you with intellectual faculties capable of vast improvement (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, p. 3). Let us think we can do great things with God’s help rather than dwell on the negative that can only enfeeble our ability to work. When we endure under trails, we will turn out to be like gold furnished by fire (see 1 Peter 1:7).

In response to stressors, we also need to manage our bodies. We cannot respond well to a crisis when we feel weak and sick. When our bodies are healthy and robust, we have the energy and endurance to face challenging situations. There are eight natural resources our body needs: “Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power” (Ministry of Healing, p. 127). These are healthy lifestyle gems that decrease stress in our bodies.

No matter who you are, the Lord has blessed you with intellectual faculties capable of vast improvement (Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 1 p. 3)

Finally, we are to manage the situation we are facing through the use of reframing, which is creating a different way of looking at an event, person, or relationship by identifying a brighter narrative of the situation —changing its meaning from negative to positive. We experience resilience when we fixate on the blessings an event gives us— focusing on the solution and not on the problem — being thankful rather than being remorseful. The apostle Paul gave us the secret: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV).

God wants the best for us. He wants us to be productive even in the midst of a crisis. Let us continue to do our tasks with joy and confidence, for, in due season, we shall yield the best harvest.

By Irelyn C. Gabin Director, Women's Ministries Coordinator, Ministerial Spouses Association North Philippine Union Conference