In some parts and cultures of the world people are used to sharing space and have learned how to do so graciously.  In other parts and cultures not so!  We consider space and privacy our right and don’t do well giving it up!

Yet that’s exactly what ALL of us, in every place and culture, have had to do in these days of the coronavirus pandemic.  Ironically, “social-distancing” has also produced space-sharing— in our living spaces no less!

With empty offices, workplaces, and schools has come full houses and apartments.  No one can even escape to the local cafes or libraries, because they’re closed too.

“What’s a mother to do?!”  And what’s a father, brother, sister, child, and maybe extended-family members under one roof to do?

Who among us hasn’t had their peace disturbed, or style “cramped”, or privacy invaded?  Who hasn’t been annoyed or aggravated by someone in “our” space? 

We don’t know how long all this will last, but there are ways to make it work.  In fact, we can make it work so well that we develop relationships, instead of destroying them, in the process. Some ways to do this:

• Remember that we are in someone else’s space as much as they are in ours!  It’s highly likely that we’re too loud, or cramping someone else’s style, or annoying them.  Knowing this helps us be more patient and gracious with others. (Mat. 7:5)   

• Put ourselves in their place—not literally—we’re already doing that!  Emotionally, figuratively—empathize with how they’re feeling and what their emotional and physical needs must be. Be considerate. (Mat. 7:12)

For example:  Moms—yes, you have kids, or more kids, “underfoot” now, running around, yelling, fighting, making demands of you, etc.—and you’re yearning for peace and quiet.  But imagine what it’s like for these kids to be stuck at home, unable to see friends at school or go to each other’s house to play… and tired of their brothers/sisters bugging them, or you nagging them!

Dads—your workspace has morphed from an orderly office environment to what seems like the county zoo! But imagine what it’s like for your dear wife—who now has to take care of you on top of the kids! Plus, she has to stay out of whatever room you’re in (that she may normally use for something else), and keep the kids from interrupting you. And what if she works from home??

• With the above in mind, offer to help each other.  Who of us wouldn’t be glad to have someone else take over our dishwashing space, cooking space, cleaning space, helping-kids-with-homework space?  We can also offer to help neighbors, friends, and others in need of help.  This helps us share kindness instead of criticism.  (Prov. 3:27)

• Make your needs known politely, BEFORE you reach the point of “I can’t stand it anymore!” At that point, it’s too late to be polite. We can avoid a lot of mutual aggravation and arguments this way. 

–For example: “Honey, can you please talk more quietly or go into the other room when you’re on the phone?”  Or, “Kids, now that we’re ALL home for lunch, I’d like you to help set the table, help…” 

• Get in each other’s lives.  You’re already in each other’s space, you might as well care about each other. 🙂

–Focus on the blessings of togetherness. Instead of treating each other as “in the way”, treat each other as someone you’re glad to be around so you can get to know each other better.  (Eccles. 4:9-12)

Ask questions. Tell stories. Play together. Laugh together.  Dream together.  Even cry together if you have to.  Bond.  Develop the kind of relationships that make you WANT to be together as much as possible.  Have you ever seen a couple in love complaining about each other “invading their space”? 🙂

• Pray—together as a couple, as a family, and individually.  Enlist the Lord’s help—not just for yourselves and your family, but for others around the world who are experiencing hardship. 

What this accomplishes:  1)His good and sovereign intervention; 2)Better perspective; 3)Peace and courage in recognizing His presence and care; 4)Taking our minds off ourselves and our problems as we care for others; 5)Helping us to do all of the above and grow in character that will outlast this and any other crisis.  (Mat. 18:20; Josh. 1:9)

Someday this crisis will end.  Is it going to end with you and your family in better emotional and spiritual condition or worse?  Will it end in better relationships or worse?  You decide.