Corrie ten Boom, in her classic book THE HIDING PLACE, explains one of the horrors of a concentration camp—infestation of fleas. Her sister convinced her to thank God for everything, even the fleas. Can you believe something good came from that?

The coronavirus pandemic has positives coming from it too—real life heroes. Their masks are the opposite of comic book heroes whose costumes don’t cover eyes or mouth. Gauze gowns are capes worn backwards with sleeves. Recently, the nursing profession became saturated. Good thing. We’d have less now that we need more.

Covid 19 isn’t visiting during cabin fever winter, vacation time summer, or sleepy fall. It arrived in vibrant spring. With things put on hold, I have more time for gardening. And talking to neighbors six feet away on the other side of our shared fences. We’ve swapped blooming bulbs, and succulents. Shared updates on pets and family. Talked about home-made face coverings. No one’s entering my home, so I slack on housework, enjoying a wild break from the mundane.

Funny Facebook posts make me laugh. Keep ‘em coming. I need them. Hubby and I have a repertoire of TP hording that he won’t let me post. Humor as a coping mechanism is fun. Driving isn’t. I don’t miss driving to meetings and appointments. And what about cleaner air from less cars and factories in use?! I’ll add saving gas and transit time to this “looking on the bright side” list.

Technology and I had a like/don’t like relationship. However, since sheltering in place, technology humbled me. Zoom is an amazing tool for meetings and learning. People and organizations are giving of themselves and their resources to help and comfort others. Thank you. I’ve benefited.

Just before the virus hit, I won a Kindle and ebook from the author David Corbett. I never used a digital reader. The experience of hard copy is my joy. I expected to read my free ebook, then give away the Kindle. Until libraries closed. I’m so grateful I can borrow ebooks. I’ve even bought a book on my Kindle, with hubby’s helped of course. Being forced out of my comfort zone is frustrating, but I’ve gained resources that will last beyond the pandemic.

The quiet won’t last though. My home is too close to two churches, a school and our main street. Traffic usually rolls constant past the window in front of me. I’m near enough to Philadelphia airport to hear grinding engines arrowing along flight paths overhead. These noises don’t usually bother me, but right now I’m in sweet sensory heaven.

On the other side of the pandemic, life will be altered, and not all for the bad. I’m not overlooking the devastation. Nor slighting it. And I won’t thank God for Covid 19. But acknowledging positives refreshes me, allows a moment of peace, and gives me patience until I can hug and kiss my children and grandchildren again.