We all know these are the strangest of days, I don’t have to tell you that. And no doubt you have your own thoughts, fears, ways of dealing with the current craziness that is going on all around the world. I don’t profess to have scientific knowledge, or spiritual wisdom, but as I’m currently housebound with a child who has a cough, I thought I’d write down my thoughts on how I’m processing today, and my feelings about the next few weeks.

In the past week I’ve seen a wide range of responses to Coronavirus news. There are the avoiders – it feels too scary, so we play it down. It’s only flu, I’m not going to look at the news, what’s the big fuss all about.

As the week went on, there were more voices that were the controllers – it feels too scary, so we need to be informed and control our risk. We check every update, we see what’s happening around the world, and start questioning about why not enough is being done to stop this. We race to the shops (or online shops) and make strategic plans for what might happen next.

I’ve done both of those. But I think those are both anxious responses. And given that the scenario we’re living in is likely to last weeks and months, not days, neither of those are sustainable long term. So here’s what I’m trying to do in Coronavirus confusion:

-Read the Bible. Before I look at the news or social media, remind myself of the truth of Who is in control. That this world is only temporary, and there is a hope and a future. Practically, I’ve decided to pick a book of the Bible and read a chapter a day. I’d already started Isaiah, and there have already been so many rich truths that I’ve been holding on to. Earlier in the week I read words which have stayed with me all week – ‘For the Lord spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honour as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.”‘(Isaiah 8:11-13) These have helped me hold perspective and to quieten my soul when anxious thoughts arise. Pick a Psalm, a Gospel, or even just a verse, and hold onto it.

-Worship. I ask Alexa to shuffle songs by Hillsong or Bethel worship, or Rend Collective, or hymns, or whatever takes my fancy in that moment. I sing along in the car and in the kitchen, and I try and fill my mind with helpful words and loudly and badly sing it even when I don’t feel it. It helps, it really does.

-Be informed. I don’t want to avoid or obsess, the reality is there is big, world-changing stuff going on, and I need to know the truth. But I need to keep that balanced. For me that looks like limiting myself to checking the news or the Public Health site a couple of times a day. If something comes up on social media that seems hype, I check the source before believing or panicking.

-Pray. Being honest with God about what I’m afraid of, what I don’t understand, how crazy it all looks. Asking for wisdom and peace.

-Then put it aside in my mind. If I’m dwelling on all the data and what’s happening in Italy then I’m not consciously present with my kids or my responsibilities for today. My child needs to be picked up and held. My washing needs doing. My house needs cleaning probably more than usual. These are ongoing needs that won’t change whether I know how many cases of Coronavirus are in my town or not. Life cannot be completely on hold indefinitely, and there are things I can keep doing (or start doing the ones I’ve been putting off…finishing the landing painting might be a good way to spend the time!)

-Do the things I can do. I can make meal plans and have an idea of what I will need for this week. I can book a click and collect order. I can write a list of things to do if the kids are off school for a while. Several of my children will not cope without structure. So I’m planning a vague timetable of things we can do each day, and I’ll look up things like playdoh recipes and order a few craft things from Amazon. Maybe we’ll have a topic and all the different ages can do something related but suiting their different stages. I’ll put wellies and waterproofs on them and send them in the garden for at least a little bit every day, whatever the weather.

-When I have to make a decision, look at the facts and advice and be sensible and considerate, not dramatic or foolish. I don’t need to ring 111 for my child’s cough. But I do need to follow the advice about keeping her home and protecting others and the health service.

-Remember other people. Who can I love today? And how can I do it? Coronavirus has taken over the world, but for many people, their world was already painful for other reasons. I might not be able to meet up with people, but I can check in on them. In a time when we may need to ‘socially distance’, we can still choose to connect. The person who was grieving is still grieving but maybe feeling more alone. The tired mum is still being woken in the night but may not be able to go to the toddler groups that give her some social interaction. The healthcare worker who was already stretched and tired is going to be under a whole heap more pressure. I’m not very good at phoning people, but if we are isolated I intend to speak to someone on the phone every day. Because as good as whatsapp is, it’s not the same as actually hearing a human voice. There may be neighbours I can drop a card to offering to pick up some shopping for if they can’t get out. No man is an island, and I find it ironic that in a time where the world is more ‘social’ than ever before, we are worried about social distancing. I think the fear is because we know that we all need to actually connect with people in our lives, and that looks like going beyond Facebook and Instagram, and choosing to truly interact and care.

-And have fun. Watch happy films, play games, read books, craft, drink wine and eat chocolate. Also do online exercise to combat the above. (That one might be harder for me to motivate myself to do, but important nonetheless!). Look back at old photos and use the time to make the photo book you never get around to. Write real letters to people. On paper. (Wash your hands first).

I honestly believe this is all for a reason. Let’s use this time to reevaluate what we’re about and maybe come out of isolation a bit stronger, caring, and more compassionate. Whatever your situation, I’m sending love and calming vibes to you today. See you when my kids stop coughing, but hopefully speak to you in the meantime!