I think everyone would agree with me when I say we are living in extraordinary times. As I am writing this, we have been confined to our homes, unable to see family and friends, some of us not working. We have been pushed out of our routines.

Do you miss the ordinary? Work, dinner with friends, going to see a movie? Things like that sound so luxurious now.

Did they sound luxurious before this pandemic hit our world? Probably not. They are things we were used to, things we expected. They are the ordinary things we took for granted.

Ordinary isn’t an adjective we’d typically choose when describing our favorite things. Even the word itself is kind of boring. But now that our world has drastically changed, we long for what was ordinary. We long for the time before all of this, when we were free to do what we wanted when we wanted. Now, the ordinary would bring us so much joy.

When this quarantine is lifted, I challenge you to find joy in the ordinary, especially the joy you might not have noticed before.

Find joy in meeting up with friends for a meal.

Find joy in the commute to work every day.

Find joy in being able to hug your loved ones.

We are so blessed, and it is more obvious now than ever before. When the things we take for granted are suddenly gone, we realize just how much joy they brought. Let’s use this time in quarantine to reflect on and remember the joys we are missing now. If and when those joys return, relish in them. Only God knows what tomorrow will bring.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11)

Editor’s Note: What pre-pandemic activities will you enjoy more after the isolation is lifted? Tell us in the comments.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.