The social distancing brought on by COVID-19 has made many of us feel lonely and isolated. But God’s plan—focused on families—is designed so that we don’t ever have to be alone.
I remember the day that COVID-19 started affecting my life. I was sitting on my couch, and my husband told me that Brigham Young University had canceled all in-person classes. After that, more and more plans and events were canceled. And I was thrilled. As a committed introvert, I felt a dopamine hit every time something was canceled and I got more time to spend at home.
However, a few months into the social distancing and drought of plans, I realized that I need human interaction more than I thought I did. The long stretches at home—once so sought-after and enjoyed—became monotonous and even depressing. With this realization, I saw how important it is to be around people, especially around people I love and who lift me up.
Photo by Scott Webb
I had to experience a global pandemic in order to understand this innate human need I have, but Heavenly Father has been aware of it since the beginning. He sent us to Earth not as lone individuals but as part of a family. No matter how big or small our families are, we have built-in support systems. We have people who care about us and want us to succeed.
In the general conference talk “The Home: A Refuge and Sanctuary,” Elder Eran A. Call says, “Our homes can be, and should be, a refuge and a sanctuary from the troubled world we live in.” Heavenly Father knew how difficult it would be for us to endure life, and he didn’t ever intend for us to do it alone. He created a family to be a support and a relief from all the stress and troubles we would face. I’m so grateful to my family for providing me that resting place. Although I’m sometimes far from home for college or other pursuits, I always have people around me I can reach out to for support and love.
For more insights on how your family and home can be a refuge, read Elder Eran A. Call’s talk, “The Home: A Refuge and Sanctuary.”
Source: www.churchofjesuschrist.org
—Sara McOmber, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY PIXABAY
Find more insights
Read about the divine purpose of families in “Teaching the Doctrine of the Family,” by Julie B. Beck.
Take a look at Tyler Garrett’s Latter-day Saint Insights article “Millennial Starter Package: Faith and Family,” which discusses the importance of family for young adults.