Introduction

The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought feelings of disappointment, panic, and despair. And yet - comfort, strength, and hope prevail. We could wallow in our anguish and fear the unknown. But Sandites have reframed this entire ordeal, pledging to see the good even when it's hard.

It would be easy to plunk down in front of our televisions and let our sorrows invade, but we encourage you to choose joy and relish everything that is going well right now. Clip a few flowers from the garden and put them in a vase on the dining table. Make a batch of fresh lemonade and sip it on the front porch. Stretch out on the couch and finish the book you haven't picked up in months. Mail a letter to Grandma. Play the unopened board game your daughter got at Christmas. Yes, this is challenging, but when you reframe your thoughts, you'll notice the gift we've been given: learning how to be intentional and receiving extra time to try new things and deepen relationships.