We are over three weeks into quarantine and we are stayin’ alive through Zoom dates, kitchen creativity, games, home improvement, and FaceTimes with people who are still learning technology.

I’m not naive to the fact that there is a virus out there raging on. I’m not immune to the worry for the people I love or the fear of the virus’ implications. But, I’d be mistaken to say there hasn’t been beauty in the midst of chaos.

I’ve been humbled as I’ve recognized the interactions and resources I took for granted are now luxuries. I’ve been in awe of the pleasure that comes with quiet, simple moments when the details of schedules and routines get stripped away. My heart hurts for those losing loved ones, canceling celebrations, fearing for their health, and struggling with finances. But I’ve also found myself so hopeful that this time is creating space for us to expand in a new way.

We’re being given an opportunity to cultivate compassion on a global scale and micro-scale, from our neighbors to our neighboring continents. We are being challenged to re-evaluate our assumptions and are being guided to grow our resilience. We are being invited to explore new hobbies, habits, and perspectives.

Whether you’re in quarantine with your fiancé (highly recommend), your cabin-feverish kids, or alone, we’ve all been given this same opportunity to shift our perspective from “me” to “we.”’ I tend to be long-winded, but Shauna Niequist sums it up well—

“Let’s make space for human, tender, imperfect love.”