In times like these, it’s easy to feel helpless. It’s easy to feel lost. Each day seems to bring new questions. You want to fix the situation. You want to make things better. You’re fighting your fears and praying for answers. And sometimes you’ll find them in the most unlikely of places.
Like many of you, I’ve been self-quarantined for over a week. On our first day at home, we must have watched Frozen II at least 10 times. One line kept sticking out to me that I haven’t been able to shake.
“When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing.”
-Pabbie, Frozen 2
It seems silly, but this little line from Frozen is the perfect way to find peace in these uncertain times. Here’s why I love it: it’s incredibly simple. “The next right thing” is something we ALL can do. No matter your physical, mental or financial state, there’s something you can do to help. And see how they use the word “right?” It doesn’t say the next “best” thing or the next “easiest” thing for a reason. It’s about doing the next RIGHT thing. We all know what the “right” thing to do is. We may not always choose to do it, but deep down we always know what it is. And in these tender, uncertain times, it’s all we can do. We can stay indoors, we can love our neighbors, and when we can, see a need and fill it. We can do the next right thing.
I’ve been on the receiving end of people doing “the next right thing” several times in the last week. As you may know, our family includes both the immunocompromised and an infant. Essentials have been hard to come by and leaving the house has been pretty much out of the question. And kindness from our friends and neighbors has been pouring in!
My friend Elise brought me acetaminophen and a roll of toilet paper. Amee dropped a whole pack of toilet paper on my porch. The girls were so touched they wrote a book about the appearance of magic toilet paper. Ada got a package of sunshine in our mailbox from her bestie up the street. Iley’s teachers have dropped goodies on the porch. I’ve gotten several texts from those out and about asking if we need anything.
During a moment of distress, I asked one of my “together” friends who knows all the things about finding alcohol swabs for Ada. We use several a day for her shots and tests and I was feeling discouraged by the low availability, price gouging, and extremely high shipping rates. Within minutes, she told me about a LOCAL pharmacy with a drive-through where I could stock up. I was about to spend $50 online: my drive-through total was $4!
These small acts of kindness are GRAND in these times. They mean more than ever before. So the next time you’re given an opportunity to do the right thing, please do it. Please look to your neighbors, through the glass, and offer a smile. Please look for unmet needs in your community and, when possible, offer a helping hand. It’s not about doing the big things, it’s about doing the right things. The only way we are going to get through this is together.
xo,
Katie
P.S. Now, more than ever, we need the power of community. If you haven’t already, join our Facebook group. At the very least, we can stay connected and keep each other smiling during these difficult times.
The Pearl Pages 
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