The continuing COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on our ability to enjoy the usual holiday celebrations in normal ways in recent years. Religious-minded and secular folks alike have had to deal with their cherished special occasions in semi- or total isolation.

And in spite of vaccinations being available for some time now, it doesn’t help to know that in spite of our best efforts to avoid it, the lurking danger is still out there when we venture out and mingle with others. It’s the sad reality we all have to face at this time, until the danger finally goes away for good.

But we can also turn to these events for solace and inspiration, if we look at them in a certain way.

For example, for those of the Jewish faith, the tradition of Passover represents in part the protection of the home against a deadly plague. While the correlation to today’s events may be tenuous, there is something of a relevant message there. That staying in and strengthening the family bonds will protect us from danger.

Then, in the Christian faith, there is the miracle of resurrection and renewal as exemplified in the Easter story. We will one day emerge from our self-imposed solitude, revived and re-energized, perhaps viewing the world before us through new eyes.

Whether one embraces and celebrates any particular religious beliefs or not, it is possible to draw a bit of inspiration from the core messages nestled within these occasions and use that to help get through a difficult time.