Taking Stock in Times of Crisis: What We Can Do While We Wait to Socially Present Again
It is normal to have some feelings of powerlessness and anxiety in times of crisis. Amid disrupted routines and everyday warnings that we cannot do some of the things we love, it is only natural these things affect our outlook on the world. It wouldn’t be “American” or even human to weather these things with no concern. I take comfort in the stories my grandparents told me about rationing goods for the war effort and how victory gardens gave them some sense of security that they could do something to ensure they had enough to eat. I grew up along the shores of New Jersey and under the threat of U-Boats off the coast (real) and German planes (false), the people blacked out their headlights on their cars and cut down or shielded all electric lights at night to hide from the enemy. One important lesson I learned from the “Greatest Generation” is there are some things we can do to improve our lives now and after the crisis. Pastor Max Lucado wrote, “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.” Proverbs 10:4 tells us, “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” Whether diligent work will make us financially wealth during this time remains to be seen, but putting our hands to meaningful activities will undoubtedly yield better mental health. I am pleased to share a list with you of some things you can do to improve your situation as you wait with hope for this storm to pass. Some of these are legal, others practical, as you will see.