When I first found out that our lives would change because of the social distancing that is part of fighting the COVID 19 epidemic, I was kind of excited.  I thought of all the things that I could accomplish that I had been procrastinating; cleaning closets and cupboards, doing household repairs, organizing files and so forth.  The “Stay Safe, Stay Home” motto made sense and I viewed this period of social distancing,  as an opportunity for personal growth, and living life in a different way.  

The first time I partook of the sacrament in my home was a sweet experience.  Attending the temple the last day it was opened to patrons doing proxy work, was bittersweet, knowing that I would not be able to serve there for an indefinite period of time.  Continuing to use “Come Follow Me” to study the Book of Mormon, and feeling the spirit and truth of this book has been a great blessing to me.

In working on my family history I have Read blogs and worked on lessons from The Family History Guide website, watched videos of classes on the Granite Family History Website,  and webinars posted at BYU Family History Library, these activities have enabled me to learn new skills and increase my knowledge and proficiency in doing my family history. This has brought joy to me as I have applied these new skills to find individuals who need their temple work done. Indexing and Reviewing records at Family Search, has helped me to continue to serve others.  

Fifty days later, as the social distancing restrictions begin to be lifted, and realizing that things may not fully open for a while, I see that I have not accomplished all that I had hoped to.  I find that my focus now, is not as good as it was in the beginning of this journey.  Maybe you have found the same. I have prayed to know what to do to help me focus and stay positive and motivated to do the things I can do now, and not be sad or worried about the things I can’t do.

The answer I received was to simply keep doing what you have been doing, and to remember that we are blessed for our efforts and not just our accomplishments.   –Elaine Hardman