Current thoughts...
As I sit down to write, I’ve been trying to convince myself not to write about the pandemic. People are sick of it. People want to think about anything other than that for a minute. People just want to feel like life is returning to normal soon. Yet, here I am unable to think about anything else.
There was life before this. I mean, we’re talking about a few weeks ago when we all laughed at the Corona beer memes because we didn’t think it would ever hit close to home. We “cared” what happened in China, but let’s be honest, it really had nothing to do with us so let’s just move on to some other news.
Then there is life now. Quarantine. Panic. Sickness. Death. Unemployment. Homeschooling. Boredom. Uncertainty. All of a sudden, it’s like the rug was just ripped out from beneath us, and here we are trying to figure out how to navigate through such a strange and unprecedented situation. I asked my grandfather the other day if he had ever been through anything like this, and his response was not “just” like this. I think that’s what makes it so uncomfortable; we don’t know who to ask for advice. We need a grown up to tell us what to do!
To be honest, I’m currently most focused on what life is going to be like once this is all over. Will it all be over? How will the kids adjust to a normal schedule again? What about my small business? When can I go out to eat again? How can I help those who have suffered the most from this? It seems like everything in the future is in some way or another colored through the lens of the pandemic.
There are a few fundamental truths I am holding on to as I look at the future.
We are resilient by nature. Through the course of history, the best stories out there are the ones of perseverance and determination. Everyone loves a comeback story, and I am sure that we each will have our own version of a comeback to write.
My faith in God assures me that none of this is “unprecedented” or surprising to Him. He wrote this into our lives when He created us, and there is not one single thing He does not have under His control.
Have you ever experienced this much free time in your adult life? I know I haven’t! So instead of filling my days with worry, I’m choosing to utilize that time and see it as a gift. My house may never be this clean ever again, but I can feel good about myself for finally accomplishing some tasks I’ve put off for years.
I hope as you navigate through all the feelings, emotions, stress, and anxieties that are unavoidable during our present circumstances, you hold on to hope. There is light at the end of this tunnel. We have time on our hands, so make the most of each day. We have a community, in this case a nation, which will persevere, as it always has, through the most trying times. Hang in there, friends!