We’re still here, plowing through this worldwide pandemic. How are we doing? Are we pushing through the depression, the aloneness, the boredom, the pressure, the stress?

Russell M. Nelson said, in 1988, “You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy.”

Neal A. Maxwell said, also in 1988, “We are here in mortality, and the only way to go is through; there isn’t any around! Yet our Deliverer assures us: “be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours” (D&C 78:18).

The Lord doesn’t ever leave us alone. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize that, but it’s true. And in spite of the fear and uncertainty surrounding us, we really are expected to be of good cheer.

COVID-19 is temporary. Russell M. Nelson, now serving as our prophet, said this past conference, “This virus has had a major impact throughout the world. It has also altered our Church meetings, missionary service, and temple work for a while.” For a while is the key phrase in this sentence.

We can look at a few good things that have happened because of this pandemic to help us feel a little cheer. Here are a few things I thought of:

• Families have been able to spend more time together. This is a time to revel in one another’s love or fix things if love has dwindled a bit.
• Those who learned they could work from home will likely continue working at a modified schedule at home.
• Our church has greatly prepared us to continue teaching the gospel in the home.
• We’ve learned what “essential” really looks like.
• Maybe it’s time to update our food storage.
• Creative Ministering and Service has been performed.
• We all learned how to Zoom.
• Perhaps this way of life has separated us from the world enough, that we can see more clearly, so we might be able to Hear Him, as Elder Bednar has counseled.

Dallin H. Oaks reminded us, back in 1988, “Remembering the Savior can also help us understand and endure the inevitable afflictions of this life.” In this same talk, he also said, “We should always remember how the Savior taught us to love and do good to one another. Loving and serving one another can solve so many problems!”

We still have much to be thankful for, as we endure this pandemic. Instead of dwelling on what we miss, and what we can’t control, we can remember what we continue to receive from a loving Savior. And maybe, more importantly, what we are able to know and do because the gospel is in our lives.