Everyday family life is already full of challenges. Our words, nonverbals, and reactions to each other can inevitably create conflict or cause hurt—and that’s in normal circumstances! Now, for many of us, the volume is turned way up on the stressors that can create family turmoil. Our routines have radically changed: kids and teens are now at home everyday, doing e-learning or on spring break; college students who were away at school are suddenly back at home; activities, lessons, groups, and church gatherings are cancelled. We are all in each other’s space seemingly all the time. For husbands and wives, relational stressors are also magnified: lots of time together creates plenty of opportunity to misunderstand, to act dysfunctionally due to internal stress or worry, and to get on each other’s nerves. Add to that the very real stressors tied to finances, particularly for those whose livelihood is currently in limbo, and the stress-level volume can seem almost deafening.

There are not easy answers to this current global crisis, nor are there quick solutions to the difficulties this degree of stress can bring about in family life. But my hope is that the articles below will provide you with helpful ideas and meaningful meditations that can feed your soul and help you love your family better. Below you’ll find reflectiongs from the Old Testament for “limbo” times like this, ministry insights regarding college students who are suddenly back at home, and two pieces providing spiritual and creative ideas for life stuck at home.

As our relationships are under strain, may God fill us with his love and peace so we are able to love our spouse and our children with generous grace. May we be people who are full of abundant peace and hope. May we be mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, who turn to God in total repentance and utter reliance as we see stress getting the best of us and causing us to act in harmful or hurtful ways.