Life in 2020 dramatically changed the business landscape, especially for restaurant and dining establishments. When restrictions were originally implemented, those who were able to adapt found survival was within their grasp, but those unwilling or unable faced an uncertain future.
Many restaurants adapted to adversity by expanding drive-thru, delivery, and pickup capacities while staff members supplied great customer service and let patrons know how much their support was appreciated. Sure, the changes required were disruptive, unpleasant, and very challenging, but restaurants with strong core philosophies were equipped to handle the crisis while adhering to social distancing/masking mandates and stricter sanitation guidelines. Our personal lives are not that much different. How well we are prepared to handle life's challenges is dependent upon our own central beliefs and attitudes. When life becomes hectic and overwhelming, our foundations must be strong to endure the storms and stresses thrust upon us, or whatever joy we have will be choked out. Most families found themselves stuck in quarantine for part of the year, followed by cancelled vacations, social outings, and holiday parties. In previous years, children's crazy schedules, traffic jams, and demanding professional lives caused anxiety and stress, but while many of those concerns were mitigated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the extra time with family did not necessarily equate to less stress. Perhaps it is best to take an inventory of our lives and minimize trivial failures while highlighting the blessings that many of us overlook. Next, be intentionally grateful for these blessings and verbalize your gratitude to those you are thankful for in your life. Charles Dickens said, "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your misfortunes, of which all men have some." Take time to reflect on your blessings and be thankful. Recall the wise builder who built his house on a solid foundation, Matthew 7:24-27:"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
to your business!